Water crisis hits Euthini Secondary School

Water shortages continue to haunt Euthini Secondary School in Mzimba forcing delayed commencement of classes as students leave the campus each morning to source water from unprotected wells.

School authorities say the water crisis has persisted since the school opened in 1983.  As of now, the school uses one electric submissive engine water pump that supplies water for only two hours in the morning against a population of about 650 students.

Speaking on Saturday when former students visited the school to donate 63 mattresses, head teacher Elias James said that it is becoming difficult to manage the school with the worsening water shortage.

“It is a big challenge which is affecting the school’s operations. M’mbelwa District Council provided us with a solar pump last year, but it only operated for a few weeks. It is an unbearable situation that is putting our lives and that of our learners at risk,” he said, adding that girls are the most affected.

On her part, head girl Rabecca Munthali said it has become unbearable to stay at the hostels due to the offensive smell from the toilets.

Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Mafayo Phiri said it is sad that the water crisis is still an issue since 1999 when they left the school.

He said the group’s next programme will focus on addressing the persistent water shortage at the school.