MINEDUC urges schools to plan for disasters

The State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Olivier Rwamukwaya has challenged school authorities to put in place preventive measures to curb disasters that could affect students especially during the rainy season. In a statement released during the weekend, the minister highlighted a number of measures that schools must take to minimise effects of disasters including a compulsory installation of lightning conductors at all schools. The ministry of education is also urging students, teachers to respect and adhere to guidelines that are currently being disseminated by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDMAR). “School authorities should also check out the status of their buildings both classrooms and other structures to ensure they are strong and will not easily succumb to heavy rains,” said Rwamukwaya. The ministry also warned parents, teachers and students to ensure the former do not walk in rain which may expose them to thunderstorms. Rwamukwaya said that in case of floods, local leaders must collaborate with schools and parents to undertake measures and quickly to ensure no student is submerged. The statement follows the death of 10 people who were struck by lightening which also left 30 other people with serious injuries in Western and Northern provinces. Eight people including five students were killed in Karongi District, one died in Rutsiro District while another victim was reported in Musanze District. The same evening, 18 students at Groupe Scolaire Nyamugali were struck in Gatsibo District but fortunately none died and were all rushed to Ngoma District Hospital. People have been advised to stay away from tall trees, fences, telecommunication masts, and power lines when it is raining and install lightening conductors on top of their houses. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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MINEDUC urges schools to plan for disasters