October 27, 2016 By Emmanuel Okyne (intern)
Head teacher of the St Edwards Primary School at Fort Street, central Freetown, Madam Marie Bernadette Jimmie, has told Concord Times that the entire school compound was exposed to imminent disaster – flooding or mudslide – as a result of activities of encroachers, who have constructed houses very close to the school, thus preventing the natural flow of water.
She said the alleged encroachers have blocked the main water way that was located very close to Jesus is Lord Ministry at Tower Hill.
Madam Jimmie said whenever there is heavy downpour, flood water and debris overtake the entire compound.
She said parents would rush to the school in fear to collect their children whenever it rains, adding that pupils at the school’s basement are often re-located upstairs for their safety.
She complained about the poor hygienic condition caused by the pervasive flow of garbage from the encroachment area.
“Even my office is always flooded whenever there is heavy downpour,” she said, stating that they place school textbooks on top of tables to prevent them being destroyed.
She said they had written several correspondences to the Freetown City Council, Environment Protection Agency and Office of National Security, but that their efforts have been futile.
She revealed that a boulder dangerously hangs over the school’s toilet and that it poses serious danger to the lives of pupils.
She appealed to authority concerned to take immediate steps to avert any imminent danger to pupils.