Administrators at Pawor Primary School in Pawor Sub-County, Madi-Okollo District, have warned that the ongoing water crisis could increase absenteeism and school dropout, particularly among girls, as learners prepare to return for the third term.
The school, which has more than 2,000 learners, mainly relies on a tap water system installed within the school compound. However, the system frequently breaks down, disrupting activities that require water and forcing the administration to seek costly alternatives. According to the school administration, the water shortage sometimes forces learners to remain at home or miss afternoon lessons.
Stephen Adriko, the Deputy Head Teacher, says the school spends more than 10,000 shillings a day whenever the main water tap breaks down and an alternative source has to be secured. He says the frequent breakdowns have increased the school’s maintenance costs and affected activities that require water.
A visit to the school found several water facilities installed on the compound non-functional, including a solar-powered water system. The school also has several facilities financed by UNICEF that are currently affected by the water shortage, including mass handwashing facilities, a water tank tower and a drainable pit latrine.
The drainable pit latrine has remained unused because there is no reliable water supply to maintain it. The school’s borehole has also been vandalised and is no longer able to pump water, leaving the administration struggling to meet the water needs of the highly populated school.
Angulibo Sam, the Senior Man Teacher, says the administration is seeking alternative water sources, but the shortage is already affecting both learners and staff. He says the lack of water is affecting attendance, learners’ performance and the general hygiene of the school.
A Primary Three pupil, Esther Asianzu, not her real name, says learners are sometimes forced to leave the school premises to look for water. She says the lack of water has also made it difficult for learners to use the drainable pit latrine, putting additional pressure on the other latrines at the school.
“We don’t use the toilet because there is no water and sometimes, we go out of the school to fetch water for use at our school,” she said. The administration is now calling for support from stakeholders to restore the non-functional water systems and provide a reliable source of water before the new term begins.
Apart from the water crisis, Pawor Primary School also faces understaffing, with only 17 teachers serving more than 2,000 learners. The school also has inadequate desks and classrooms, while staff quarters are insufficient, further straining the learning environment. The administration says addressing the water shortage remains an urgent priority, particularly as learners prepare to return for the third term-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
