In line with its policy of shared values among communities, Eskom Uganda has embarked on a facelift project that will give a whole new look to the currently dilapidated Njeru Primary School, a government school under the Ministry of Education and Sports started in 1960.
The School was previously located in the present day Nalubaale power station and it was displaced to pave way for construction of the then Owen falls dam and transferred to Njeru village, where its presently location.
The School is currently dilapidated with broken windows and roofed with asbestos roofing materials which is said to be a Health risk for the pupils.
Eskom Uganda, the generating company running the Nalubale and Kiira power stations has now come out to reinstate the lost glory of the School which faded away with the reduced number of children currently standing at 400, by injecting110 million Uganda shillings, to cover the renovation works which shall in the first phase include, replacement of the asbestos roofing material with iron sheets, replacement of the damaged window glasses, painting of both the interior and exterior surfaces and replacement of the doors and locks.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with the Njeru municipal council executive officials at Eskom offices today, the Managing Director Eskom Uganda, Thozama Gangi noted that the first phase of the renovation is expected to be completed by 31 st January 2017 before the beginning of the new term. She said that the second phase will include installation of proper electricity supply, water harvesting, renovation of staff housing and a computer lab. “We are in a changing world with fast moving technology we should not live the children behind. We are looking for partners who will join us to create a conducive environment for the children in Njeru primary school,” said Thozama.
She further said that Eskom is willing to help the parents by finding innovative ways to utilize the available land so that they may be able to feed their children hence motivating them.
The Chairman of the school board Pastor Fred Kiwanuka said that the idea by Eskom to give Njeru Primary School a face lift will not only change the School, but the entire Education system in Njeru.
“We welcome this humanitarian initiative that Eskom is implementing in our community. Indeed, Eskom has always been here for the community whenever we need their intervention. This spirit of giving as being demonstrated by Eskom should be emulated by other companies around us”, he said.
In line with its policy of shared values under its CSR program, Eskom MD will also meet with Jinja Municipality Mayor Majid Batambuze to explore areas of intervention in 2017. Currently, Eskom together with Hon. Moses Balyeko have embarked on a project to upgrade Kimaka Health centre.