Edith CHUKU
In response to the devastating flood that ravaged Community Secondary School, Rumuapara, the Rivers State government has approved the immediate relocation of its students and staff to State Primary School, Nkpolu, in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Though there was a ray of hope following Wednesday’s sunshine, the devastating impact of the flood remains evident, as the school premises and facilities were badly affected, prompting the state government to take urgent steps to ensure the safety and continued education of the students.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, revealed that the relocation took effect on Wednesday.
According to Nwagor, the decision became necessary as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives, safety and overall well-being of students and staff, following the severe flooding that has affected the school premises.
He said “the ministry of education is working in collaboration with the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, which had earlier visited the school to assess the situation.
“The committee is currently investigating the causes of the flooding and developing sustainable solutions, with appropriate measures being considered for immediate, medium-term and long-term intervention.”
The commissioner revealed that “the temporary relocation is intended to ensure that academic activities continue in a safe and conducive environment, while efforts are intensified to address the flooding and restore the school premises to a suitable condition.”
He further reaffirmed government’s committment to protecting the lives and welfare of students and teachers, and to ensuring that every child in the State continues to have access to quality and uninterrupted education.
