KITGUM: Leaders in Namukora Sub County in Kitgum District are protesting the delayed renovation of classroom blocks at Bola Primary School. Heavy rains blew off the roof of the classroom blocks in March, affecting 300 pupils.
The affected blocks host the lower primary pupils. The learners are currently studying under trees as they await the renovation exercise to kick off.
Ben Omony, the head teacher, says that during the rainy season, the pupils are left with no option but to return back home while others shun classes.
Omony adds that she has requested the district officials to intervene and make emergency repairs on classroom blocks in vain.
The Namukora LCIII Chairperson, Geoffrey Opyet, says that the members of the school management committee drafted a budget of 20 million schillings for repairs, but they have failed to raise the funds.
Charles Olweny, the LCV Councilor for Namukora Sub County, says that they have turned to well-wishers and development partners for financial assistance to repair the classrooms and help the pupils study in an enabling environment.
The Acting District Education Officer, Fred Owot, says that the department lacks funds to rehabilitate the school.
According to Owot, 200 million shillings has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of dilapidated school structures in 30 primary schools in the next financial year.
The Secretary for Works and Technical Services, Richard Dick Kilama, says that a comprehensive report about the disaster has been submitted to the responsible ministries and partners for intervention.
