Pupils at Jembo High School in Pemba district of Southern province on Monday ran amok destroying school property worth K20 million over poor diet and erratic power supply at the institution.
Confirming the riot to Choma District Commissioner Golden Nyambe who visited the school to have firsthand information, School Manager Brian Mubemba said the pupils damaged windows mostly at the administration block and Science lab.
Mr Mubemba also said the pupils also damaged 3 computers during the riot leaving the school with a shortage of computers for the institution to use in various activities.
He explained that pupils felt that management has not done enough to address the main challenges facing the school hence resorting to destroying property at the institution.
The pupils who pay k768,000 each as boarding fee per term demanded among other things improved sanitation and constant water supply stating that the situation currently is unbearable for them as they mostly queue to fetch water.
However management at the school appealed to pupils to understand the difficulties the institution is going through as it will address them according to the available resources.
The head teacher said the institution has a number of challenges such as accommodation, classes as well as erratic water supply which has been caused by the increasing number of the community surrounding the school.
“The community depends on the same pump which is very small to cushion the supply of water here,” he said.
Mr Mubemba revealed that about 106 pupils have since left the school without permission from management while 11 have been identified as ring leaders in the riotous behaviour.
He however pointed out that school management has not yet decided on what to do to the master minders as the issue is in the hands of the high authorities at the district.
And pupils talked to who sought anonymity for fear of victimization told ZANIS that they were frustrated with the pace management was addressing the various challenges facing the school despite them having paid full boarding fees.
The pupils said the situation at the school is not conducive to live in especially on sanitation part.
“We only have one shower at boys’ dormitory, “they said.
Jembo high school has 425 pupils currently in boarding.
ZANIS
Iam the 1st one to comment
What the hell is the Choma DC doing in Pemba District? I thought the district status was conferred immediately by the man of action, what is happening – shops, buildings, etc, still look like a village in Mapanza? Please Mr President, do something about this place – NOW!
good accession BUT the president has nothing to do with this. When they destroy property they make the matter worse. This is senseless :(
Even from the name ati JEMBO high school its not pleasing, change the name to atleast something sounding nice like HH intelectuals high school, with a name like Jembo riots will never end and the DC wo nyambe change him to Hansimbi
Can we change your name to Mushi……… as well?
Can we change your name to Mushi……..???
#3 mashindu
What is in a name?
I bear with the situation. Its all challenging: distance from the tarmac, location, accessibility to facilities, Help from well wishers, school fees, Funding, Environment- rural setting. I thank God there was no loss of life. The issue needs Putting Heads together. The action by pupils should however be condemned in strongest terms.
Comment:
How does choma DC come in. Interview the pupils to find out the real cose of thr riot.