OUTJO – Kunene education director Sophia Ferdrieck says hostels should use hostel development fees, payable by the boarders, for maintenance and to improve living conditions.
She was responding to media queries regarding the dilapidated conditions at the Eddie Bowe hostel in Khorixas.
The hostel reportedly faces a shortage of beds, lockers, mattresses, and has exposed electrical wires and switches, as well as broken windows. It is a hostel in a dire state.
The ceilings in the hostel rooms have collapsed, and the bathrooms are old and unclean. The hostel yard has overgrown lawns due to sewage water from blocked drains.
T he Eddie Bowe hostel accommodates atleast 300 learners . Ferdrieck told Nampa that despite the education directorate’s efforts to ensure a healthy and homely atmosphere at hostels, they are confronted with challenges.
“My office is aware of this problem. Thus, last year we instructed hostel committees to make use of hostel funds to fix those small defects such as leaking taps, replacing burnt bulbs and fixing broken doors, windows and beds.”
She added that the directorate already has plans to address the shortage of beds and mattresses, saying they continuously makes budgetary provisions, and seek assistance from ‘friends in education’ for donations.
She also mentioned that the education directorate has strictly warned hostel management not to exceed hostel capacities during enrolment, as this contributes to sewage overflow due to the high number of occupants.
Ferdrieck noted that the hostels in Khorixas are ageing, and that the directorate does its best to keep them habitable. Factors such as vandalism and theft exacerbate the conditions. However, while culprits are charged, the problem persists.
She emphasised that staff members are appointed to maintain cleanliness, and that they will continue to monitor hostel conditions.
The director also said the directorate is considering implementing regular inspections at government hostels to identify and address any issues.
Eddie Bowe hostel superintendent Lesly !Aibeb refused to comment on the living conditions at the hostel. -Nampa