Mlungunipa residents in Kwale County have appealed to the county government to urgently address the acute water shortage that is disrupting the education of young learners in the area.
Led by Mgandi Mambo, the residents said many parents are forced to trek long distances to find water, a situation that has severely affected families and schools alike.
Mambo noted that Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) pupils are compelled to carry water to school due to the lack of a reliable water supply.
He expressed concern that residents risk contracting waterborne diseases since the only available water source is a nearby river shared by both humans and animals.
“Our schoolchildren are suffering because they have to drink unsafe water every day. This situation is endangering their health and affecting their learning,” Mambo said.
READ ALSO:
N’digore Gandaro said the nearby well is drying up, forcing young learners to be accompanied by their parents, who carry water to school.
She explained that pupils are required to bring water for preparing porridge and maintaining hygiene at the school.
Gandaro noted that the persistent water shortage has led to poor sanitation, as most families prioritize the little water they have for drinking and cooking.
“Sometimes children have to go to school without bathing because there is simply no water,” she said.
Ali Salim said it is exhausting for parents to carry water to school every day.
He urged the county government to intervene and resolve the situation without further delay.
However, area MCA Tumaini Mwachaunga admitted that the community has long struggled with water shortages.
He said previous interventions had been made, but they were insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population.
Mwachaunga pledged to take further action to address the problem, assuring residents that the situation will soon improve.
By Mwajabe Omar
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
