Beula PSS shuts down after logging pollution
In a shocking turn of events, Beulah Provincial Secondary School in Western Province was forced to close its doors last week following reports of alleged contamination of its water supply.
The closure of the school was attributed to extensive tree felling activities in the vicinity recently, leading to the alleged pollution of the Ziata River, Noro and its reservoir.
According to Beula School Administration, the contamination of the school’s water source sent shockwaves through the local community and left authorities with no choice but to shut down the school until the issue was resolved.
Reports suggest that the water in the Ziata River, which had previously been clean, safe and reliable, turned murky and was declared by authority as being unfit for consumption.
Concerned parents and students raised the alarm after noticing an unsettling change in the water quality within the school premises.
Complaints about the water’s foul odour and the appearance of sediment prompted immediate action from the school administration and local health authorities.
Water samples collected from the school’s taps revealed alarming levels of pollutants, confirming the presence of harmful contaminants, authorities said.
Upon further investigation by the Western Provincial Education Authority (WPEA) it was discovered that a logging company nearby had failed to implement appropriate measures to prevent soil erosion and protect the water source during its operations, they said.
The excessive felling of trees and clearing of land resulted in sediment runoff, leading to the contamination of the Ziata River and its reservoir, which had supplied water to Beulah Provincial Secondary School for many years.
Local authorities are working with environmental agencies to resolve the problem, which has also affected nearby communities.
Authorities said the logging company has been served with legal notices, demanding accountability for their actions and the environmental damage caused.
The school administration is working with the Department of Education to explore how soon the matter could be resolved.
At their joint meeting last week, the Western Provincial Government (WPG) and the WPEA were informed that Beula PSS would remain closed until further notice.
Parents and students are demanding swift action to hold the responsible parties accountable for the contamination and subsequent closure of the school.
They emphasize the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of future generations, urging both local authorities and the logging company to take immediate remedial action.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
