Chief Chibale of the Senga Speaking People in Chama District, has appealed to Government to speed up the completion of Chibale Boarding Secondary School.
The Traditional Ruler says the project is critical to improving access to quality education and ensuring the safety of learners, especially girls.
Speaking when Chama District Commissioner Yobe Goma paid a courtesy call on him at his palace, Chief Chibale said the school project has stalled for several years despite its importance to the district.
He said that once completed, the boarding school will provide accommodation and proper learning facilities for pupils who currently travel long distances to access education or rent rooms within the community.
Chief Chibale expressed concern over the increasing number of female learners renting private accommodation while attending classes at the nearby day secondary school.
The Traditional Leader said the situation exposes the young girls to various social risks and negatively affects their academic performance.
Chief Chibale said the boarding facility will not only improve learner retention but also benefit pupils from across his chiefdom and surrounding areas as well as reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
He further called on the Ministry of Education and the contractor handling the project to urgently complete the remaining works, including dormitories, classrooms, and sanitation facilities.
And Chama District Commissioner Yobe Goma assured the traditional leader that government was actively following up on the delayed project to ensure that the school becomes operational soon.
Mr Goma said the Ministry of Education was aware of the delays and was engaging the contractor and relevant departments to facilitate the completion of the works.
