The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has welcome government’s decision not to allow schools and tertiary education institutions to open this month to prevent the spread of cholera.
NAQEZ Executive Director Aron Chansa said opening of schools now would expose the learners and teachers to the cholera epidemic as most schools in Zambia are extremely congested.
Mr. Chansa said opening of schools would also trigger a rapid spread of the epidemic to all parts of the country and make it even more difficult to control.
He however noted that the move will disturb the school academic calendars and the performance of learners especially those in examination classes.
He nevertheless stated that the lives of the learners and teachers were more important than losing out on education.
Mr. Chansa has meanwhile urged learners to continue studying from home so that their performance is not disturbed.
In a related development, Ndola residents have commended the Ministry of Health and the Ministries of General and of Higher Education for deferring the opening of schools and tertiary education countrywide institutions until after a review of the cholera situation on January 30, 2018.
The residents talked to by ZANIS Ndola this morning said the decision taken by the concerned ministries was in the best interest of the public.
Mrs. Elizabeth Kayumba observed that the cholera bacteria was very dangerous hence the relevant authorities should take all possible measures to ensure that cholera was put under control.
“The cholera bacteria is very contagious and it kills in a short period of time. That is why it is good that the ministries have taken up that measure,” she said.
Mrs. Kayumba has since urged Ndola residents to religiously follow what the government has told people to do to prevent cholera.
Another resident, Mercy Moyo, suggested that the banning of public gatherings should be extended to workplaces because there are people from different areas who meet at work.
“For an area like Lusaka where deaths have been recorded, even people in a working environment should be asked to stay away or work in shifts because these are people coming from different areas therefore it is easy for the disease to spread to areas that have no cases,” she said.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Ministry of General Education and the Ministry of Higher Education deferred the opening of schools and tertiary institutions until after a review is conducted on January 30, 2018.
Stupidity in Zambia, what is there to commend them for. Enough of these futile praises for people amassing wealthy at the plight of poor people they have no intention of helping. Sata and his party started this mess, Now the mess is killing people
We really don’t have anything to commend do we? Lets commend all those who went to the toilet this month
Commendation because you failed to enforce laws and prevent cholera? Wonders shall never cease in stupid Zambia.
And Minister of Health is still on the pay-roll? Why not give him commendation for incompetence and dereliction of duty?
But it’s a blessing in disguise you know January issues of School fees I am sure even this could have been a consideration…
Meanwhile schools should not close in also in April to compensate for this month
The closing dates must also be adjusted so that the calender is not disturbed,instead of closing in april term one we should close in may,augast term 2 should be september,december term 3 january.
Zekyo blessing i disguise so government doesn’t have to find teachers wages
Comment:what about public transports which are still operating from places of cholera to all around Zambia
While the idea of not opening schools is welcome, we see parents going for work in all other institutions. Not everyone has a personal car but they are using congested public vehicles. Some parents after work go to drink from different places, including those that may have cholera. Some people working in shops, even government offices, are coming from the said areas of cholera. No one is even thinking about orphanages. Prisons are clouded. I think more needs to be done and not just postpone the opening of schools.
About orphanages and children’s homes, government must send health teams to spray the facilities and check on their hygiene levels.
THEY NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AREAS MUST BE CLEAN TO PREVENT CHORELA
Comment:GOD IS THIS A POST OR AN EXCUSE TO GIVE MMM BA GOVERNMENT YOU ARE NOT FAIR IN TERMS OF THINKING HOW CAN YOU CHASE VENDORS AND YOU STILL MAINTAIN THESE YOUR EXPENSIVE SCHOOL FEES… YOU ARE CLOSING SCHOOLS YET AND CHURCHES BUT BARS AND BUSES ARE STILL ABOUT.. YOU ARE SAYING PEOPLE SHUD CLEAN AND YOU NEVER MOUNTED DUST BIN FROM LUMUMBA TO COMESA