Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya, has called for improved sanitary conditions in all schools across the province to ensure a healthy environment for learners.
Dr Bwalya states that high sanitation standards at learning institutions are cardinal to improving the well-being of students.
He adds that enhanced sanitary facilities, especially in boarding schools, contribute significantly to the performance of both learners and teachers.
 Provincial Permanent Secretary made the remarks during a visit to Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School in Chinsali District yesterday.
The visit followed a one-week ultimatum he issued to the school to repair specific components of its ablution blocks.
Dr Bwalya emphasised that the move aims to create a conducive learning environment, as directed by President Hakainde Hichilema.
He noted that the Head of State has mandated that all education and health facilities must have running water and proper sanitary infrastructure.
Dr Bwalya expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting that management had addressed several concerns raised during his previous visit to the institution, which is also his former secondary school.
“We are all one team, let us work together and not wait to be pushed. You and I are the government, and there are certain things school management can address independently using the grants you receive,” Dr Bwalya said.
Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School Deputy Headteacher, Steven Kangwa, revealed that the school has already begun addressing the concerns, including repairing all leaking taps.
Mr Kangwa added that the painting of the ablution blocks and dining hall is underway, along with other structural improvements.
He noted that works are expected to accelerate now that the school has closed for the holidays.
“Now that there are no disruptions, the work will be completed faster,” the Deputy Headteacher said.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Provincial Education Officer, Alexander Mulenga has urged all school administrators in the province to allocate funds specifically towards sanitation.
Mr Mulenga warned that poor sanitary conditions and hygiene contribute to disease outbreaks that disrupt learning.
“I am calling upon all school managers to take the directive issued by my office seriously and ensure it is fully implemented without fail,” Mr Mulenga said.
The ultimatum issued to Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School by Dr Bwalya, which expired on Thursday, April 9, 2026, has prompted a wave of maintenance works at the school and other learning institutions across the province.
It took five years for the PS and the school administration to realize that boarders need improved sanitation. Imagine! Free education didn’t include free sanitation.
Then in the 5th year, the PS decided he should issue a
“one-week ultimatum to the school to repair specific components of its ablution blocks.”
The school administration could nt see that taps were leaking. Perhaps we can excuse them. The money comes from Douglas Syakalima in Lusaka.
It took five years for the PS and the school administration to realize that boarders need improved sanitation.
Imagine! Free education didn’t include free sanitation.
Then in the 5th year, the PS decided he should issue a
“one-week ultimatum to the school to repair specific components of its ablution blocks.”
The school administration could nt see that taps were leaking. Perhaps we can excuse them. The money comes from Douglas Syakalima in Lusaka.
Sanitary conditions that government worries about as election day approaches
I hope free education = free employment
Kaunda s free education came with free jobs not in Lilayi