Parents boycotted the first day of classes for the 2023 academic year at Gerehu Primary School in Port Moresby this morning after learning that the school had its main water supply disconnected over the holidays.
Teachers were adamant to get down to business sending their students to their respective classrooms but the protesting parents overruled the decision and students were sent home.
Head Teacher Philip Tiki revealed to students and parents during the schools assembly that Water PNG had to shut down the school’s water supply over non-payment of bills in excess of over K200, 000. 00.
“The school owes Water PNG over K200,000.00. We have an arrangement with them to pay in installments once the government pays the school subsidies. Water will be restored this week,” said Mr. Tiki.
Frustrated parents interrupted the schools assembly in a rowdy protest and demanded for immediate answers from the administration as to why the bill was in excess while students were on holidays.
There were exchanges of words by parents and teachers while some parents demanded that the main school gates be shut and the schools management be investigated for alleged abuse of the school facilities.
Parents blamed the school board and management for been stagnant and ignorant towards important issues faced by the school over the years.
The parents also called for the school board to be dissolved and an interim board be installed because they argued the board was inactive and their children were denied quality education .
Among other issues, teachers turned up late for the first day of the academic year adding to the frustrations of the parents who arrived well before 8am.
Head Teacher Mr. Tiki also announced that the school was charging a K200. 00 project fee per child despite the government’s implementation of the free education policy.
“The school board and management had sought the approval of the NCD District Education Board to implement project fees for this year in line with the proposed projects to take place in the school,” Mr Tiki said.
Students were introduced to their teachers at the assembly, shown their classrooms and sent home immediately due to the water issues.
A parents and citizens meeting will take place on Wednesday this week at the demand of frustrated parents who complained that the school was in breach by failing to host any of such meetings over the years to discuss and address legacy issues which continue to plague the school.
