Parents take stand over broken toilets at La Rochelle Primary School
Learners health at risk: Parents demand action over school toilets.
A strike took place at La Rochelle Primary School on September 1, as parents blocked the school gates to demand urgent repairs to the school’s broken toilets.
Frustrated by the lack of action, parents refused to let anyone in until their concerns were addressed.
The toilets have reportedly been out of order for some time, forcing learners to use unsafe facilities, which has allegedly led to some children falling ill.
“We can’t just sit back and watch our children suffer because of the school’s neglect,” said Nthombi Nkosi, a parent at the school. “The toilets are a health hazard, and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens. We need the authorities to step in and fix this problem once and for all.”
Parents are demanding immediate repairs and long-term measures to ensure learners have access to a safe and hygienic environment.
The strike has drawn attention to the issue, and it is hoped that the Department of Education will take swift action.
“The situation at La Rochelle Primary School highlights the need for better maintenance of school facilities. Every child deserves to attend school in a safe and healthy environment, and it’s the responsibility of the authorities to ensure this,” said one concerned parent.
The Southern Courier/Comaro Chronicle reached out to the Gauteng Department of Education. Spokesperson Xolani Mkhwemte said:
“The school has not contacted us for help. I am not completely familiar with the case, however the school definitely needs to have clean, working toilets and I will look into the situation to find a solution.”
