Water crisis forces closure of Euthini Secondary School

Water shortage has forced officials to close Euthini Secondary School in Mzimba district before the end of term.

Education division manager (North) Temwa Msiska on Wednesday confirmed the closure of Euthini Secondary School. The school closed on Friday, but the rest will close on December 18.

She said Euthini Secondary School has been facing water problems for some time due to lowering of the water table.

The school, with a population of about 500 students and over 24 members of staff, relies on two boreholes.

The students were forced to fetch water in villages, a development that was not only affecting their studies, but was also threatening their health.

Msiska said the school wrote her office to request the ministry to approve the closure.

She said: “The district council is exploring a lasting solution to the problem. I am sure something will be done about it.”

The school’s head teacher Crescent Kapira said the school was being forced to cancel classes so that the students go to draw water for cooking, washing dishes and other activities at the school.

Noting that the situation was getting out of hand, the school had to ensure students wrote examinations early so that their assessment is not affected.

Euthini Secondary School Alumini Association president (Mzuzu chapter) Felix Manda said the association is putting in place measures to help address the situation.

Mzimba district commissioner (DC) Thomas Chirwa said his office was aware of the water problem and efforts are being made to drill another borehole. n