LUYENGO – St Christopher’s High School has been saved from closure after parents raised funds and education authorities engaged over its outstanding electricity debt.
One of the country’s oldest schools had reportedly faced closure after struggling to meet its financial obligations, including an electricity bill of more than E50 000.
The school is reportedly owed more than E1.9 million in unpaid school fees by parents and guardians, leaving the administration unable to meet some of its financial obligations. The school’s administration reportedly informed the Manzini regional education officer (REO) of its financial challenges and indicated that it was considering closing the school. Manzini REO Sizwe Kunene confirmed he was aware of the situation and said parents held a meeting last week, where they raised money to pay the debt.
He said the school had faced closure because of its debt to the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), which had threatened to disconnect electricity services.
Kunene confirmed that the school would no longer close after he engaged the utility provider regarding the outstanding liabilities.
He added that he had requested the EEC to consider installing a prepaid electricity meter at the school, saying it would be more cost-effective and easier to monitor. Although utility officials indicated this might be difficult, they agreed to consider the proposal. When contacted for comment, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training Nanikie Mnisi said she was unaware of any move to close the school. “I am learning about this from you and I am so shocked as I was not aware, but I will institute an investigation to get to the bottom of the matter,” Mnisi said. She said the ministry was yet to determine whether it would intervene to prevent the closure of the school.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
One of the school classrooms. (Pics:Mnelisi Dlamini)