By: Tochi Onyeubi
Owing to the bad road situation in the state, pupils of Orlu road Primary school, AmakohiaUratta in Owerri North LGA are not having it easy going to school.
This is as a result of heavy flooding of the school premises, occasioned by bad channeling and polr construction of the drainage close to the school, which empties flood right into the school compound.
As a result of this, the fence demarcating the school from the road was pulled down.
A good spirited Imolite and legal luminary, Barr. Nwaturuocha, passionate about the plight of the school children, especially tender children in the nursery section, who found it difficult navigating their way into the compound, due to the slippery nature of the premises, raised alarm over the poor state of the school environment.
Recounting the pitiful tale of the school, the Headmistress, MrsAchikam Alice Nneka who informed that, problem started during the road construction in the area leading to channeling of the drainage system, which empties itself right into the school compound.
She further explained that, whenever there is a heavy downpour, there will be no school for the pupils and as such, population of the school which had about 700 children dropped to a grappling 100 due to withdrawal of pupils by their parents.
Speaking further, MrsAchikam said she always come to school with shovels in her car to scoop mud water away for pupils to pass through to their classroom while in her rain boat, as a measure she adopts to retain her pupils which is not enough.
She however informed that, parents have been helpful and has assisted the school tremendously but all have been to no avail as she appeal to the State Governor of Rt. Hon. EmekaIhedioha to swiftly come to their aid, adding also that, the environment is not only, not conducive for learning but a health hazard to the pupils.
A primary 6 class teacher who also spoke, Mrs. Osuagwu Juliet, said the environment which is not fit for human living, has been their worst night mare since this year.
According to her, the headmistress often assist them to pass through, with clearing the mud for them to pass through and it is demoralising them.
Mrs. Osuagwu informed that, they report to school every day despite the bad situation because of their passion to teach while appealing to the government to help remedy the situation.
A glance at the school compound, showed over grown bushes with swampy water around it and a pulled down fence.
