Image: Used papers piling up at the back of the ablution block at Ekivaki Primary School
By Adelaide Sirox Kari – EMTV News, Port Moresby
More than 2000 students in the nation’s capital have not been in school for 3 weeks now after their school was shut down indefinitely because their facilities were not up to public health standards.
Eki Vaki Primary and Elementary school students have been turned away at the school gate and asked to check the school after the Term 1 School Holiday.
The National Capital District Commission has advised that students were sent home after an inspection by NCDC Health officials on March 8 which found that the school did not comply with Chapter 226 of the Public Health Regulations.
The inspection found the school’s ablution facilities in deteriorating state, with no hand wash basins, inoperable toilets, and less than sanitary facilities to cater students.
Meanwhile, Grade 8 students go to the school every morning to collect worksheets.
EMTV requested for an interview with the school’s Head Teacher, Collin Hubert but was advised the school would speak to media only after meeting with its board members.