Foul water problem resolved
Classes at the St. Christopher Nursery School will resume on Monday following a suspension due to a contaminated water supply on the school premises.
- A padlock placed to secure one of the tanks supplied to the school by the Ministry of Education.
Last Tuesday, teachers and pupils turned up at the school premises at 3571 Stevedore Scheme and were greeted with an odour. Checks revealed that the foul smell was coming from the taps and when these were turned on, discoloured and foul smelling water began to flow. As the water continued flowing, it was discovered that water contaminated by human waste was flowing through the taps and subsequent investigations revealed that faeces were in the school’s reservoir.
The President of the school’s PTA Neil Chase said that attempts were made to rectify the situation and that the original contractor of the water system came into the school and attempted to purify the water. Meanwhile, the decision was made to suspend classes for the rest of the week.
When asked how it was possible for faeces to get into the water supply, Chase said that the School’s PTA had its suspicions. However, he blamed the contracted security company for negligence.
- The old water supply system at the school.
The Ministry of Education, however, assisted the school by providing a new water system (including three new tanks),”while the old one has been condemned” Chase added. Chase was thankful for the help received from the Ministry saying that they were co-operative. This co-operation was seen in other areas as well, Chase pointed out.
A few weeks ago, Chase had attended one of the special “Face the Community” meetings organised by the Ministry of Education, and had highlighted some of the problems pupils of the school faced. At that forum held at the South Ruimveldt Secondary School, he had identified the ease at which the school flooded and the high level of grass within the compound as two pressing issues. He said that following his complaints, the grass was cleared the followed day and efforts were made to correct the problem with the flooding.
Chase also made a plea for businesses to render further assistance to the school. He said that although the PTA has been trying, it was hindered by financial constraints. He said that the school needed fans, coolers, water dispensers and a DVD player which would improve the learning environment for the school’s pupils. This newspaper was told that 209 pupils attend the school.
He called for assistance for other schools in the South Georgetown area which he opined were schools which are often neglected. (Mark McGowan)
