Weed overtakes Delta primary school, as pupils drink water from rust pipe
Concerns Raised Over Sanitation and Staffing at Iginuwa Primary School in Delta State
Ode-Itsekiri Community, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State – The toilet facilities at Iginuwa Primary School have become severely overgrown with weeds, prompting serious concerns about sanitation conditions at the institution.
An investigation by DAILY POST found that the school is currently staffed by only four teachers. Meanwhile, students rely on a rusty pipe connected to a borehole near the palace of HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, for their drinking water.
A correspondent for DAILY POST visited the school and noted the deteriorating state of various facilities. Mrs. Weyinmi Areyenka, one of the teachers, confirmed the staffing situation, explaining that the shortage of teachers is not solely due to the Delta State Government’s decisions regarding appointments.
Areyenka highlighted that many teachers who are assigned to the school often decline to report for duty because of the difficulties associated with traveling to the remote riverine community. She recounted a personal experience, stating she had been involved in a maritime accident while attempting to reach the area for work.
“People don’t want to stress themselves or risk their lives,” Areyenka said, attributing the ongoing teacher shortage to these challenges. She noted, “I am always with my life jacket, by the grace of God, and that was what saved me when I fell into the river last year. It’s just to keep one safe.”
The situation is similarly challenging at the community’s secondary school, which is also experiencing a lack of teaching staff. Areyenka described the impact of these shortages, stating, “We are suffering.” She appealed to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to facilitate the posting of more teachers willing to work in riverine areas.
