Marriaqua Government School is at the center of a heated dispute as parents raise serious concerns about a rat infestation that they say has persisted for months. Despite these alarming reports, the school’s principal denies the extent of the problem, claiming that the situation is under control.
Parents and teachers have reported multiple sightings of rats in various parts of the school, including classrooms, the teachers’ bathroom, and storage areas. According to one teacher, who has chosen to remain anonymous, the infestation has been an ongoing issue since last term.
“Rats are visible everywhere,” the teacher said. “We’ve found rat droppings in cupboards, and we even saw rats in garbage bins and during staff meetings. Just this morning, students downstairs were running from a rat coming out of the storeroom.”
However, the principal has refuted these claims, insisting that they are exaggerated. “The allegations of a widespread rat infestation are false,” the principal stated. “Only one mouse was seen, and we promptly called the vector control unit. They set baits, but no rats were caught.”
Despite these assurances, parents remain skeptical and worried about the health and safety of their children. The school’s proximity to a river, they argue, makes it more susceptible to rodent problems. They are calling for more comprehensive measures to address the issue, including regular inspections and professional pest control services.
Efforts to manage the problem so far have included cleaning the compound and visits from the vector control unit. However, parents argue that these actions have been insufficient. “We just want a safe and clean environment for our kids,” the concerned parent said.
Health experts warn that even a single rat sighting should not be taken lightly, as rodents can carry diseases and pose significant health risks in a school environment. The presence of rat droppings and sightings in various areas indicate a need for thorough inspection and remediation.
As the debate continues, parents at Marriaqua Government School are considering escalating their concerns to higher authorities within the education department.
The situation at Marriaqua Government School highlights the challenges schools face in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students and staff.
ANN was reliably informed that officials from the Ministry of Education visited the school on Friday to investigate the allegations.