NADESSTU Tasks Okowa On Fumigation Of Delta Schools, Sets Up 20-Man Committee To Monitor Exercise

NADESSTU Tasks Okowa On Fumigation Of Delta Schools, Sets Up 20-Man Committee To Monitor Exercise

By Eseoghene Emuke

The National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU) has called on the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to disinfect and fumigate all state owned schools before reopening them for academic activities over the COVID-19 pandemic.

NADESSTU, an umbrella body for students of Delta origin worldwide, said the call to ensure safety of students whenever the state government lift ban on schools including tertiary institutions across the state.

 The call was contained in a letter addressed to the state governor by NADESSTU National President, Comr. Godwin O.S. and Secretary General, Comr. Etere Gideon on Wednesday.

They demanded for the fumigation/disinfection of all public owned institutions from the primary to tertiary levels and provision of washing materials, facemasks, sanitizers for students and staffs to curb further spread of the coronavirus disease.

The letter stated that the demands became necessary, as it will help mitigate surface contamination and also help address issue of rodents and pest infestation in schools especially the tertiary institutions with Halls of residence as a focal point.

The group has also set up a 20 man taskforce committee to interface with the government and monitor the fumigation process.

However, the group commended Governor Okowa for his efforts and that of his team in the fight to curb the menace of the coronavirus disease (COVID–19).

The letter read in parts, “Your Excellency, we use this medium to commend your efforts and that of your team in the fight to curb the menace of the CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19).

“Sir, in accordance with best practices and the guideline of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), UNICEF and World Health Organisation (WHO) to protect children, support safe school operations and preventive mechanism which incorporates environmental fumigation to prevent surface contamination, regular hand washing, Social Distancing, and wearing of face mask to prevent virus contamination and human infection.

“We write to demand that; All state owned institutions (from Primary to tertiary institutions) be thoroughly fumigated and disinfected by the state government at the earliest possible time and at least two (2) weeks before reopening of schools.

“Washing materials such as buckets of water and soaps be made available at the entrance of all Government owned primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

“Facemasks and hand sanitizers be provided by State Government to all pupils, students and staff (both teaching and non-teaching staff) of the state owned Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions upon the reopening of  schools.

“Your Excellency Sir, as a matter of necessity, we urge the Delta State Government to be thorough with the fumigation exercise so as to help mitigate surface contamination and also help address issue of rodents and pest infestation in schools especially the tertiary institutions with halls of residence as a focal point.

“Sir, in lieu of the aforementioned demands, the association has set up a 20 man taskforce committee to interface with government and monitor the fumigation process. Below are their names and position