School Pupils Risk Lives Crossing River By Canoe To Attend ‘Our Day’ Celebration In Western Region Community

A disturbing scene has emerged from Ateiku in the Western Region, where school pupils were captured being transported across a river in a canoe while on their way to participate in their school’s “Our Day” celebration.

The video, which has attracted attention online, shows several pupils seated in a small canoe as a young man helps them cross the river.

The situation has raised concerns about the safety risks faced by children in the community, especially during periods of heavy rainfall when water levels may rise.

According to the person who recorded the footage, the pupils were travelling to their school event when they were forced to rely on the canoe as their means of crossing the waterway.

The individual expressed worry over the potential danger involved and appealed to the government and relevant authorities to intervene by constructing a bridge to provide a safer alternative for residents, particularly schoolchildren.

Residents in communities separated by rivers and waterways often face challenges accessing schools, markets and health facilities due to the absence of bridges. In some cases, children are compelled to take risky routes or depend on canoes, exposing them to possible accidents.

The call for a bridge at Ateiku has sparked discussions among social media users, with many urging authorities to prioritise infrastructure projects that directly affect the safety and daily lives of citizens.

Community members are hopeful that the concerns raised will receive attention and that a permanent solution will be found to prevent any future tragedy while ensuring that children can access education safely.

Watch the video HERE.