Gov’t heightens flood safety measures as schools reopen for second term

The government has assured of the safety of all learners ahead of schools reopening this Monday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure safe and efficient movement of learners, parents, and teachers.

“Security measures have been put in place in all bus termini and other strategic locations where the National Police Service has been deployed adequately to ensure enhanced movement of vehicles and persons traveling, more so school children,” the statement reads in part.

However, the ministry indicated that schools that have been adversely affected by heavy rains and flooding will have their opening delayed to ensure repairs are done before learners resume learning.

Traffic police officers have also been deployed along critical highways to monitor traffic violations such as speeding, overloading, and use of unroadworthy vehicles.

“No vehicles will be allowed on bridges that have been considered unsafe for use and on roads that have been marked as risky.”

The Ministry called on parents to ensure the safety of the children to and from school between 6AM and 6PM, in close collaboration with the Multi-Agency teams and the leadership of the schools.

In addition, all Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs have been directed to keep watch of rivers and bridge crossings to sensitize on hazardous areas and curtail against activities such as children swimming in flooded zones.

The reopening of schools for the second term was initially scheduled for Monday, April 30, but was postponed twice to May 13 due to flooding across the country.