Luangwa Boarding Secondary School Temporarily Closed
The Ministry of Education has announced the temporary closure of Luangwa Boarding Secondary School in Luangwa district, Zambia, due to erratic water supply and an increase in diarrheal cases among students.
In an official statement issued by the Communications Unit of the Ministry of Education, the closure is effective from March 11th to March 25th, 2024. The decision was made in response to concerns raised by various inspection teams regarding the school’s water supply and health conditions.
Luangwa Boarding Secondary School, one of Zambia’s oldest institutions, relies on water drawn from the nearby Luangwa River. However, due to the ongoing drought, the water level at the source has significantly decreased, affecting the school’s ability to maintain a consistent water supply.
To address the issue in the long term, the Ministry of Education has collaborated with local authorities to construct an industrial borehole using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The borehole, located 2km away from the school in Kamanga village, aims to provide a reliable water source unaffected by salinity issues.
The borehole project is nearing completion and is expected to be handed over within the next five days, thereby normalizing the water supply situation at the school.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has allocated funds for various infrastructure projects at the school, including the construction of three ablution blocks, a 1×3 classroom block, and two dormitories. Additionally, funds were provided for the purchase of a water pump and a mortar in December 2023.
These measures are part of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure the smooth operation of Luangwa Boarding Secondary School and to safeguard the health and well-being of its students and staff.
The Ministry expressed gratitude to all cooperating partners and stakeholders for their support in addressing the challenges faced by the school, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in overcoming such issues.
As the school temporarily closes its doors, students, parents, and staff await the completion of the borehole project and the implementation of other measures to resume normal operations and provide a conducive learning environment.
