Schools in Central Province have been advised to introduce temporary measures to manage water shortages as dry conditions continue to affect learning environments.

Central Provincial Education Advisor Aeva Omuru said schools experiencing water shortages may close classes earlier each day, provided students are given homework to make up for the lost afternoon lessons.

"They have written in seeking permission for early closure of classes each day. We have advised them to do that. Before they send the children home, there must be homework given to cover the afternoon classes.”

He said the Education Division is also encouraging schools to use their Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) funds to purchase additional water tanks for students and staff.

Schools located in areas accessible by road have also been encouraged to buy water carts to refill their tanks when needed.

However, Mr. Omuru acknowledged that finding solutions for more remote schools remains a challenge.

"Those further out, we still haven't come up with what type of actions we are going to take, depending on their situation. Some might be close to rivers. As we go along, we will decide.”

He urged schools to continue reporting any challenges they face so the Education Division can assess each situation and provide appropriate support.

"Whatever issues the schools are facing, they report to us and we make a decision to address those as we go along.”

The measures come as education authorities prepare for the impacts of dry weather conditions linked to El Niño, with schools looking at practical ways to maintain learning while ensuring students have access to safe water.