Dispute Erupts Over Open Defecation at Kacheri Primary School
REPORTED BY SPURB ERNEST
The controversy began after three pit latrines at the school collapsed last year, forcing over 1,000 students and teachers to share a single four-stance pit latrine. As a result, many students, particularly girls, have resorted to using nearby bushes as toilets.
A bitter dispute has erupted between Kacheri Primary School authorities and the Nasinyon Village community over the open defecation by pupils, posing a significant risk of sanitation-related diseases.
The controversy began after three pit latrines at the school collapsed last year, forcing over 1,000 students and teachers to share a single four-stance pit latrine. As a result, many students, particularly girls, have resorted to using nearby bushes as toilets.
Peter Aleper Oyatakau, the Kacheri Sub County LC 3 Chairperson, confirmed that he has received numerous complaints from Paul Lokong Wariok, LC 1 Chairperson of Nasinyon Village. Wariok claims that the villagers are increasingly frustrated with the situation, which has left them vulnerable to health risks.
Rose Grace Atyang, the Deputy Headteacher of Kacheri Primary School, acknowledged the school’s sanitation challenges due to the insufficient number of latrines. She referenced the National Physical Planning Standards and Guidelines 2011, which recommend one stance pit latrine per 40 pupils.
Aleper further revealed that sub-county authorities have assessed the situation and submitted a report to the district education department. In the meantime, they have initiated a fundraising drive to construct a new pit latrine and kitchen.
The sub-county authorities have prioritized fencing the school and building additional sanitary facilities in the next financial year (2025/2026).
The situation has raised significant concerns about the health and well-being of pupils, underscoring the need for urgent action to resolve the sanitation crisis.
