Schools across Western Province continue to operate despite a worsening water crisis caused by the prolonged dry spell, with parents increasingly concerned about the health and safety of their children, particularly those attending remote schools.
The ongoing drought has left many schools without reliable access to clean drinking water, as rainwater tanks have run dry and nearby creeks, rivers and wells continue to recede.
Parents from several communities have expressed concern that students are attending classes without adequate water for drinking, cooking, sanitation and hygiene, increasing the risk of dehydration and the spread of waterborne diseases.
The situation is especially critical in remote parts of North Fly, Middle Fly, South Fly and Delta Fly districts, where many schools depend entirely on rainwater harvesting or natural water sources that have either dried up or become unsafe for consumption.
Some parents have questioned whether schools should remain open under such conditions, saying children are finding it difficult to concentrate in class while enduring extreme heat and limited access to safe drinking water.
“We want our children to continue their education, but their health and wellbeing must come first. Many schools no longer have clean water for students and teachers,” one concerned parent said.
Teachers are also facing significant challenges as they continue to deliver lessons while managing the limited water available for daily school operations.
Community leaders are calling on the National and Western Provincial Governments, district administrations, humanitarian organisations and development partners to urgently provide emergency water supplies to affected schools before the situation worsens.
The prolonged dry spell has already affected thousands of people across Western Province, disrupting access to safe drinking water, transportation and food supplies. Parents are now urging authorities to prioritise schools to ensure students can continue learning in a safe and healthy environment.
