By Theophilous Ochang

Education officials in Eastern Equatoria State will enforce the order issued by the government on Thursday to shutdown schools over extreme heat waves, an official has said.

While schools were open on Friday across the state, the education official said the order will have to take effect on Monday, to run for two weeks, up to March 24, 2025.

In an interview with The City Review on Friday, Cletus Oboi, the Director for Basic and Secondary Education in Eastern Equatoria State said they had been informed about the directive and it is their duty to ensure it is implemented.

“We are fully aware of it and it will start by Monday, for the next 14 days, up to the 24^th of next month,” he said, adding:

“When a directive had been made, it has to be implemented and no one side or the other can implement it partially.”

He urged County Education Directors to adhere to the order and that those that will be dealt with administratively.

“In case of any disorder or misconduct, we will handle it administratively. They are to adhere with the order because it is for the safety of our children.”   

The order to close down schools was issued on Thursday following a high-level meeting chaired by the Vice President for Service Cluster, Josephine Joseph Lagu, to address the adverse climatic effects. Officials from the Ministries of Health, Environment, and Education presented reports on the impact of the heatwave.

The report revealed that about 12 students reportedly collapsed during school hours in the capital, Juba, due to soaring temperatures.

It is not the first time the country has taken such a step. In March last year (2024), schools were closed during the same period as temperature went beyond 40°C.