…..Urges proactive measures to avert recurrence
By Sylvanus Viashima
JALINGO – The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) on Sunday express profound sorrow over the unfortunate school accident that occurred in Jos, Plateau State last Friday, leading to loss of lives and injury to many pupils and teachers.
The NCWS in a statement signed by Mrs. Geraldine Etuk, Acting National President of the Council, extends sincere condolences to the families that lost their loved ones to the unfortunate building collapse and prayed for quick recovery for the injured.
Mrs Etuk said that the incident should serve as a wake up call on all relevant authorities to swing into actions and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence of such disaster in the future.
“The safety and well-being of our children is paramount, and this tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to address the condition of school buildings across our nation. We therefore call upon the government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent such heart-wrenching occurrences in the future.
“We therefore call on the government to urgently initiate thorough inspections of all school buildings, especially those in dilapidated conditions, to identify and address structural weaknesses and ensure regular maintenance checks. Strictly enforce building codes and safety standards for all educational institutions. Implement penalties for non-compliance to ensure that the highest safety standards are maintained.
“Government should provide adequate funding for the renovation and reconstruction of unsafe school buildings. Prioritize the allocation of resources to ensure that all children have access to safe learning environments.
“Involve local communities, particularly women and parents, in the decision-making process related to school infrastructure. Their insights and concerns are invaluable in creating a safe and conducive learning environment for our children.
“We also urge relevant authorities to develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plan for schools to swiftly address any potential hazards and ensure the safety of pupils and staff in the shortest time possible.
“This tragedy has highlighted the profound impact that inadequate or poor infrastructure can have on women and children, who are often the most vulnerable members of our society. The NCWS remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of women and children, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that such preventable tragedies are nibbed in the bud” the statement reads.
