MAPUSA
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Tuesday raised serious concerns in the Goa Legislative Assembly over the structural safety and lack of basic sanitation facilities at the Government Primary School in Navelim.
He warned that the deteriorating condition of the school’s infrastructure poses an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Alemao informed the House that the false ceiling in some classrooms was in a dangerous condition, with blocks reportedly on the verge of crumbling.
“There is a real danger of the ceiling falling on schoolchildren or teachers. Immediate repair and maintenance is needed,” he said.
What made the situation more alarming, he said, was that the school had undergone renovation only six months ago, raising questions about the quality and durability of the work carried out.
Alemao also highlighted the absence of toilet facilities, stating that children were being forced to urinate outside the school building due to the lack of a functional washroom.
“The smaller students even urinate in the classroom. This is an extremely unhygienic and inhumane situation. A toilet block must be provided on a war-footing,” he urged.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the House that he would look into the matter immediately and take appropriate action.
The issue has brought to light the larger concerns of infrastructure quality and maintenance in government-run schools, especially those catering to younger children in rural and semi-urban areas.
Calls are now growing for the Public Works Department (PWD) and education authorities to carry out urgent inspections of school buildings and to ensure basic amenities like toilets and safe classrooms are in place.
