Drought destroys Zumara school toilets

A prolonged dry spell in Markham District has now damaged a basic necessity at Zumara Primary School after the school’s toilet facility was destroyed by fire.

The toilet at the school in Umi LLG was burnt down during the extended dry conditions, leaving students and teachers without adequate toilet facilities and raising concerns about sanitation.

The impact of the dry season is also being felt by communities around Zumara, Mitzing, Warus, Marafau, Umi LLG Chamber, and Ngaruchaniang, where families are facing shortages of water and food.

For students at Zumara Primary School, the loss of the toilet adds another challenge to daily learning as the school community struggles with the effects of the prolonged dry conditions.

Community members are now calling on the Government, Morobe Provincial Administration, Markham District Development Authority, and Umi LLG to respond to the situation and help the school restore its toilet facilities.

The community says the situation goes beyond the school, with the prolonged dry season placing pressure on students, families, and communities across Umi.