KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Outhouses will be built by the Ministry of Education in preparation for El Niño.
Kalistus Ngirturong Chief of School Management said draft plans had been submitted by the ministry to the El Niño Migitation Committee.
Once the outhouses are built, flush toilets will be closed in order to conserve water.
According to the draft plan, about 22 units will be constructed for 20 public schools serving 3,185 students.
The ministry also plans to install in each school water tanks with one-month water supply.
This month, emergency water storage tanks will be installed at seven school areas.
The project was conceptualized by the ministry last year and will be funded by the U.S.
Emergency water tanks will be installed in Ngaraard, Ngiwal, Melekeok, Ngchesar, Kayangel, Peleliu and Angaur.
The ministry will also instruct students to bring their own drinking water. Schools will eventually be asked to switch to disposable plates and utensils.
The ministry at the same time is considering to change school lunch menus by serving food that do not require a lot of water.
If the dry spell worsens students may be asked to bring their own lunch and schools will have to implement half-day classes.
