Debmarine Namibia handed over 12 new toilets to the Nicolas Witbooi Memorial School on 22 February in Dordabis, Khomas region with the aim of providing a safe and clean environment for learners, teachers and staff.
Debmarine Namibia CEO Willy Mertens said at the event that “access to clean and hygienic toilets is a basic human right,” and that these
toilets will help to improve the overall health and well-being of the community.
He highlighted that proper sanitation and handwashing are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases and illnesses.
The toilets are valued at N$350 000.
“I am confident that with the cooperation and support of everyone, these toilets will serve as a valuable resource for many years to come,” he noted. Mertens said despite their annual contribution to the Namibian Government, their social responsibility agenda which is facilitated through the social investment fund focuses on broad-based community needs throughout the country. “The government is doing its best with the few resources it has, and we cannot leave everything to the government. Sometimes, we have to do additional work,” he added.
Kasheeta Shikongo, representing education inspector Victoria Shikwambi, said “the project will significantly contribute to the improvement of education, particularly the hygiene of the Namibian child.” She added that this will also enhance positive teaching and learning.
Speaking at the event, school principal Ruben Uushona said “words cannot really express how I feel. The faces of learners and parents here are evident that we are so happy for the ablution facility sponsorship”.
Uushona highlighted that the school has admitted 262 children from the surrounding farms as well as rural suburbs in Windhoek like Havanna, Goreangab and Okahandja Park, who are mostly vulnerable children.
The school has 11 teachers and 29 hostel staff, and is located about 165 kilometres south-east of Windhoek.
Uushona said the ablution facilities will breed confidence in learners because they will feel safe due to being in a healthy environment.
The managing director of Innv8e Group of Companies, Tuna Willem, said these are the first locally-manufactured toilets in Namibia, and that the process has been an opportunity for job- creation since they were not imported.
Famous Artist Ndasuunje Papa Shikongeni told New Era that he wants to give his blessings to the school with his artistic talent so that the children can design on the plain concrete toilets, adding that art will give a sense of ownership to the school. -vamutenya9@gmail.com