Luanshya District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Rogers Chisenga has observed that most schools in the district were not well insulated with lightening arrestors as they have had the implements stolen.
The observation follows yesterday’s incident in which 12 pupils and three teachers from Luashya Central Secondary School were struck by lightning following unexpected rains that left a trail of destruction.
Mr Chisenga said there is urgent need to source money for the installation and replacement of lightening arresters in all schools in the district to avoid similar future incidences.
He was speaking in Luanshya today when he visited Luanshya Central secondary school to appreciate the extent of damage left by the lengthening which swept through a classroom block.
He noted with regret that most schools in the district were old and that their electrical insulation had grown weak, while in some other schools the installations have been stolen.
Mr Chisenga stated that his office was urgently working towards restoring power and water to the school to ensure adequate preparation of final examinations for Grades 12 and nines.
And school head teacher Chanda Nsofwa said all the 13 pupils were in a stable condition and that some had even reported for school.
He however said the school had engaged the local water utility company to consider opening up a direct connection to the school to avoid disruption of the school calander as examination classes were doing their final preparations.
Meanwhile, Luanshya District Commissioner Harold Mbaulu attributed the incident to poor wiring at the school.
Yesterday, 15 people sustained injuries when lightning struck through a classroom block following unexpected heavy rains that also left a trail of destruction as people were caught unaware.
Business came to a standstill in the central district as traders panicked to secure their merchandise as a heavy down pour surged the district.
Taxi drivers evaded the streets to catch customers who had no choice but to seek refuge from them.
A taxi driver Martin Kaputani said the rains were a blessing as they had boosted business which was until then was slow.
Why do peolple only spring into action when something bad has happened? No one knew,including the headteacher that the school no lightening arresters? Water and power to be restored just because of exams.How has the school been running withiut power and water? amazing
The buck stops with the local council on this one. Surely the Engineers there can find a simple practical method of earthing all schools and protecting the copper earthing at the same time. e.g. conceal the earth lines from ground level up to roof level, by encasing with bricks, or run them in a steel pipe to look like a water pipe or drain pipe etc…etc… Its not that difficult surely.
This only strengthens my case when I repeatedly say that although we are experiencing a boom in infrastructural construction and development, the Zambian system lacks the mentality of maintenance and preparedness. You see it in simple things like seasonal happenings – in this case rain and lightning which happens every single year without fail. I hope something is done to address this situation not only in Luanshya but all other lightning-prone areas of the country!
earth wires should be instilled before the rainning period