By MOPFFAT CHAZINGWA –
PRIVATE schools in Kalulushi on the Copperbelt have been given a 21-day ultimatum to improve sanitary conditions failure to which they will be closed down.
Kalulushi Municipal Council (KCM) gave the ultimatum following an on-the-spot check of private schools.
KCM assistant public relations manager Beuty Undi said officers from the health department recently conducted the checks on various private schools in Kalulushi central, Chibuluma and Chambishi to ascertain the state of environment within their premises.
She said to their disappointment, most of the schools were found operating without water and proper sanitary facilities.
Ms Undi in a statement issued yesterday said following the findings by officers from the health department, the council decided to give all the private schools in the district a 21-day ultimatum to improve sanitary levels or risk their trading licences being revoked.
She said it was the obligation of the council to ensure that all public institutions and facilities observed highest standards of hygiene to avoid causing health risks to residents.
“We are particularly concerned about the health aspect of institutions and facilities that are patronised by people such as schools, especially with the mushrooming of these private schools,” she said.
She said it was unimaginable to find some schools operating without toilets and some schools not even water and yet they offered daycare services.
Ms Undi also expressed displeasure with some schools that were found operating in dilapidated buildings thereby endangering the life and health of pupils.
She said it was important for private schools to adhere to the stipulated guidelines on the operations of schools under the Local Authority Act to avoid endangering the lives of children.
“Our biggest concern is that it is these same schools that are supposed to be in the forefront of promoting hygiene and with the unsanitary conditions surrounding their school premises, how do you expect them to do that?” she asked.