The multi-agency team overseeing implementation of recommendations established to fix water, sanitation and infrastructure at the two institutions is working around the clock as directed by Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to have the two institutions reopened in the next 14 days.
The team led by Western Regional Commissioner (RC) Irungu Macharia, however, clarified that while all students of Butere Boys will be required to report back on May 2, those from Mukumu Girls will have a phased re-opening with form four candidates expected back on the same date.
The RC said that the water from a reservoir that Mukumu Girls was drawing from has already been disconnected and digging of a new water borehole is set to be completed in the next 10 days.
He said a water aquifer is to be installed at the borehole to ensure water quality and safety after the outbreak of the disease attributed to contamination of water.
At Mukumu Girls, the team resolved to invite parents to a meeting on April 28th, to be graced by the CS education ahead of the phased reopening on May 2, 2023.
“We have resolved that form four candidates will report back on May 2, form threes on May 4th, form twos to return on May 6th with form ones resuming on Monday 8th 2023,” he added.
He said a team of medical personnel will undertake mandatory medical checks on all students before being allowed back into the school in order to ascertain their condition, as well as offer guidance and counseling.
At Butere Boys, the RC said most of the major issues had been addressed after students of the school also experienced vomiting and diarrhea and that the government has set aside 30 million shillings towards construction of a new dormitory to address congestion.
“At Butere boys all pending issues have been addressed and all students are expected to report back on May 2,” he added.
During a visit to the school last Saturday, the Education CS directed the immediate formation of the technical committee comprising both national and county government officials to address urgent environmental concerns at the two institutions and have learners back in two weeks’ time.
Mr. Irungu however said the Department of Public Health has confiscated all the food stuffs in the schools’ store as arrangements are made to have new stocks.
At Mukumu Girls, Mr. Macharia announced that already the team has addressed some of the challenges that include refurbishment of the kitchen, replacement of dining table with aluminum material and re-designing of the dormitory doors to open outwards.
The Multi-agency team is also expected to oversee the replacement of 6 buildings with asbestos roofing materials that are believed to be hazardous to the environment to modern iron sheets.
Members of the technical team comprise National Administration, Department of Public Health, the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency, Water Resource Authority, National Environment Management Agency, Ministry of Education, Parents Association, Teachers Union officials among others.