Africa-Press – Lesotho. Children around Senqunyane, Berea, will face serious risks when schools reopen on January 14th,with no pedestrian bridges, young learners will have to cross fast-flowing rivers on their way to school, putting their safety at risk and highlighting gaps in child protection.
During an interview with the Agency, the director of the Makeoane Community Council Child Protection Team, Mrs. Matiisetso Makoko, said primary school learners are forced to cross the Khohlong River and Ntiboho River daily to access eschools.
She highlighted that during the rainy season, the rivers become especially dangerous, placing children’s lives at risk.
“The lack of bridges leaves children unprotected. They are forced to walk through flowing water, sometimes with strong currents,” Mrs. Makoko said.
She added that some learners miss school when river levels rise, while others attempt the crossing despite the danger, fearing absenteeism and falling behind in class.
“This situation goes against child protection principles. Children have the right to safety and to go to school without facing life-threatening conditions,” she said.
Mrs. Makoko called on relevant authorities to urgently build safe bridges to protect children and ensure uninterrupted access to schooling.
Senqunyane is in the foothills of Berea, where there is a lack of roads, bridges, and basic infrastructure.
The situation in Senqunyane highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in rural areas, where a lack of development continues to affect vulnerable groups, especially younger generation.
