Namibia: 26 Schools Without Water in Oshikoto ... No Electricity At 13 Schools

Omuthiya — Twenty-six schools in the Oshikoto region lack potable water. This information comes from the Directorate of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.

Thomas Kalimbo is the deputy director of programmes and quality assurance. He told Nampa that these schools depend on the Directorate of Rural Water Supply and NamWater for water delivery. However, he noted that deliveries are often late.

Kalimbo mentioned ongoing efforts to engage authorities for better water access at these schools.

Additionally, 13 schools in the region do not have electricity. Kalimbo stated they are working with line ministries to improve this situation. He said several schools might receive electricity next year with help from NamPower.

Schools also face challenges like a lack of teaching resources. There are shortages of textbooks and science lab materials. Overcrowded classrooms further impact teaching quality.

Kalimbo reported that 226 learners affected by recent floods have returned to classes. These students missed school for a week due to flooding issues. Thirteen schools were impacted, but only two temporarily suspended classes.

The two affected schools are Iipopo Combined School and Oshiyagaya Combined School in the Onyaanya circuit. They need better access roads and sand filling to manage water on their grounds.

In total, the Oshikoto region has 229 schools. -Nampa