The Santa Rosa Primary School, where the tragic death of nine-year-old Tenesha De Souza occurred when she fell into a pit latrine, will soon have nine flush toilets compliments of the school’s parents and public-spirited citizens.

Chairman of the school’s Parent Teachers’ Association, Mark Atkinson yesterday told Stabroek News that the foundation of the sanitary block was now being laid and it was hoped it would be  completed in another two weeks.

“We have already started, we have the sand and bricks and we are laying the foundation. Parents and other well wishers donated stuff and we hope to complete them soon,” he said.

He told Stabroek News that nine toilets would be installed initially — six donated to the PTA by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and another three donated by other individuals. He said the PTA had actually received 12 toilet sets – six from the AFC and six from other persons. However, the septic tank only has the capacity for nine toilets.
Atkinson said that next year, with additional funding, the PTA hoped to construct more septic tanks as its aim was to have 30 toilets installed at the school.

Meanwhile, a meeting held with residents and regional officials last week Tuesday did not end on a good note, according to Atkinson. He said some of the regional officials were very disrespectful to parents and residents and they were very upset. He said they were planning to issue a press release on the issue.

However, the regional educational officials did promise the school to budget for 10 toilets in its next budget and Atkinson said the PTA would continue to appeal for more donations to meet its  goal of 30 toilets.