All of schools in Manu’a, the Health Clinic in Ta’u and the EOB in Ofu have been closed by the Department of Health Environmental Services Division after inspections over the weekend and Monday.
Aileen Solaita, Head of the Environmental Services Division said at Ta’u High School, there was no hot water in the cafeteria and there was an overpowering foul stench from the bathroom in the kitchen.
She said classrooms at Faleasao and Fitiuta Elementary schools were dirty, and there was mold and mildew in several buildings. When they turned on a light in one of the classrooms at Fitiuta Elementary it burned. According to Solaita the bathrooms at the elementary schools had low water pressure and were in deplorable conditions.
Solaita reported that unsanitary conditions were also found in the cafeteria at Olosega Elementary School.
She said the conditions in the schools in Manu’a are not new. From what she learned from school officials there, they have been asking DOE to make repairs but they have not received any help.
The inspectors also closed the DOH clinic in Ta’u because it was dirty and the building was covered with mildew and mold.
Solaita said the EOB in Ofu, which also houses a DOH Clinic, had low water pressure and the toilets were a breeding place for mosquitoes. They also found rat feces throughout the building. Solaita said it was evident that the building has been neglected.
