Nalolo District Commissioner Namatama Mupo has called on schools in the district to ensure they have adequate water supply to sustain production during the anticipated El Niño period. Mrs Mupo said it is important for schools to have proper water reticulation systems to guarantee…

Nalolo District Commissioner Namatama Mupo has called on schools in the district to ensure they have adequate water supply to sustain production during the anticipated El Niño period.

Mrs Mupo said it is important for schools to have proper water reticulation systems to guarantee consistent access to clean and safe water.

She said schools that do not have functional water systems should ensure that boreholes are drilled or that existing ones are repaired.

Mrs Mupo explained that adequate water will not only provide drinking water for learners and teachers but also cater for livestock kept by some schools and communities.

“The water can also be utilised for gardening to mitigate the effects of the El Niño,” she said.

She has since urged teachers and surrounding communities to start backyard gardening in order to reduce dependence on buying vegetables.

Mrs Mupo noted that backyard gardening will enhance household food security and nutrition, especially during periods of adverse weather.

She further called for the construction of ablution blocks in schools to curb diseases that may arise as a result of El Niño.

“This will also provide proper sanitation to schools that are still using pit latrines, and this is the government’s policy to have flushable toilets in all government facilities, hence this should be a must now to avoid diseases,” Mrs Mupo said.

She added that communities in the district have also been sensitised on disease surveillance to help them cope with changing weather patterns.

Mrs Mupo said the government remains committed to ensuring that institutions are well prepared to withstand the effects of climate change.