The number of pupils attending War-Aher Primary School in War-Aher payam of South Sudan’s Aweil State has decreased due to poor services, an official said Friday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the school’s headmaster, Marko Madut said pupils consume unsafe water in school, pointing out that most of the pupils suffered from diarrhea due to poor hygiene and consumption of unsafe drinking water.

He further said most of the school’s learners come from far places and it often takes them between three to four hours to reach the school.

“The challenges started since 2018 and there has not been any intervention to address the matter,” said Madut.

He noted that the public school had enrolled over 500 pupils last year, but the number reduced due to unaddressed challenges.

“Many pupils do not attend normal classes because they fear to go long distances to come to school,” said Madut.

The primary school is the area’s only government-aided institution.

Government officials in the area could not immediately be reached for comment.