Residents of Namoo Sikabiisi in the Bongo District have appealed to the Member of Parliament for Bongo, Lawyer Charles Bawa-Dua, and the Bongo District Assembly to urgently rehabilitate the community’s deteriorating primary and Junior High School buildings.
The residents say cracks have developed in parts of the primary school building, while wooden supports holding the roof of the JHS have deteriorated, raising concerns about the safety of pupils and teachers.
The concerns were raised during a visit by the MP to the community, where residents also complained about inadequate furniture and other challenges affecting teaching and learning.
A community member and PTA Committee member, Isaac Nsoh Atanga, said both schools have deteriorated over the years despite several appeals to the relevant authorities.
According to him, several cracks are visible on the walls of the primary school, with residents concerned that parts of the structure could eventually collapse if rehabilitation works are not undertaken.
He said the condition of the JHS roof is equally worrying, explaining that some of the wooden supports have deteriorated and could give way or leave the roofing sheets vulnerable to strong winds.
Mr Atanga said the community has written several letters to the Bongo District Assembly and District Education Directorate seeking intervention, but little progress has been made.
He said inadequate furniture is another challenge confronting the schools, affecting both pupils and teachers.
According to him, an NGO previously supported the community with some furniture, but the number provided was insufficient to meet the schools’ needs.
Residents are therefore appealing to the MP and the Bongo District Assembly to support the rehabilitation of the school buildings and provide additional furniture and other teaching and learning resources.
Responding to the concerns, Lawyer Bawa-Dua said he had taken note of the challenges and would explore ways of mobilising support to address them.
He acknowledged the importance of education to the development of the community and assured residents that he would engage relevant stakeholders on the challenges affecting the schools.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bongo
