Angry parents, teachers fume at condition of school ahead of opening
April 10 2026
Angry and frustrated teachers and parents of students attending East Ruimveldt Secondary School are sounding the alarm over what they describe as deplorable and dangerous conditions inside the institution—just days before the new school term is set to begin on Monday, April 13.
In a desperate appeal to BIG SMITH News Watch, parents and teachers expressed outrage at the state of several classrooms, accusing the Ministry of Education of neglect and last-minute, substandard works that they say are putting children’s lives at risk.
Photos provided to this publication paint a troubling picture: multiple floorboards missing and leaving large, hazardous gaps; scaffolding erected in the middle of classrooms; and furniture stacked haphazardly in corners, creating what parents describe as a chaotic and unsafe learning environment.
“This is unacceptable,” one parent fumed. “How can children be expected to return to school in these conditions? This is not just negligence—this is dangerous.”
With the reopening date fast approaching, parents and staff are demanding answers as to whether the works will be completed in time, and more importantly, whether the classrooms will be safe for both students and teachers.
They have placed direct blame on the Ministry of Education, calling out Minister Sonia Parag for what they describe as a failure to ensure proper planning and execution of school repairs.
Staff argue that the situation reflects a troubling pattern of rushed, last-minute interventions that compromise safety rather than uphold standards.
“The Ministry had weeks to address this,” another parent stated. “Now, days before reopening, children are expected to walk into what looks like a construction site.”
Both teachers and parents have underscored the importance of proper maintenance, arguing that stricter deadlines must be enforced.
Noting that billions in funds had already been allocated for the timely completion of school projects, making the current situation wholly unacceptable.
Parents and teachers of Ruimveldt Secondary are now pleading for urgent intervention, warning that no child should be forced to learn in conditions they believe are unfit and hazardous.
BIG SMITH News Watch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
