Bat, pigeon infestation at Kwakwani Primary School causes disruption of classes

Teachers at the Kwakwani Primary School, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have refused to work until urgent action is taken to address a severe pigeon and bat infestation that is compromising the health of both students and staff.

The situation has sparked growing concern among teachers, parents, and the wider community, as the pests are not only causing damage to school property but also contributing to ongoing health issues.

In a recent appeal, teachers at the school explained that droppings from pigeons have contaminated classrooms and furniture, while the dust from bat droppings has led to serious health problems such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and infections among both children and teachers.

“We are urgently asking for help regarding the pigeons that have infested the school,” one teacher expressed. “The teachers refuse to work until this matter is addressed because it has been an ongoing issue that is not being resolved. I stand firm with my colleagues, and I encourage parents to come out and support us because it is the children who are suffering the most right now.”

Jenisa Primo, a guardian and member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the adverse effects on students’ education. Primo’s niece is a grade six student preparing for the Common Entrance Examination in April. With teachers on stand-down, there are concerns that the disruption will severely affect the students’ ability to prepare for the upcoming exams.

“The teachers are on stand-down, and if this continues, the grade six students will suffer. They will lose valuable learning time, which will impact their academic performance,” Primo said.

The teachers and community members had call for intervention from the Education Ministry, the school’s administration, and the local authorities.

In a brief telephone interview with this publication on Monday, the Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain disclosed that the contractor has already been identified to properly sanitise the school.

“A contractor was identified by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and he should begin his work if he hasn’t started his work today, he should start his work tomorrow… As we know, out of the two buildings, the upstairs of one building is affected. But that’s not to negate the situation… It really should not have happened,” he said.