Parents of pupils attending the Princes Town Methodist Primary School are refusing to send their children to school because of a sewer problem. Last Wednesday teachers walked off the job expressing concern over their health and safety but they returned to work on Thursday. The sewer problem, however, was not fixed. Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teacher Association (TTUTA) second vice-president, Lynsley Doodhai said: “When the toilets are flushed it backs up in some areas and overflows in other toilet areas and washroom facilities.”
He said teachers were advised by the school supervisor to use an aternative toilet at the school.“But, it is only one toilet and both male and female teachers have to use that. TTUTA finds that unacceptable,” Doodhai added. He said the principal had sought assistance from the Princes Town Regional Corporation. “If the principal is not successful, TTUTA will write to the permanent secretary about the issue,” he added.
However, he said, no alternative toilet facility had been provided for the students and their parents were keeping them home. The Education Ministry’s communications manager, Alicia Busby, said it was aware of the situation. However, she said, the principal was seeking help from the regional corporation. “I don’t know the specific nature of the problem but apparently it does not fall within the ambit of the ministry,” she added.