Victoria Immanuel
Auleria Wakudumo
ONGWEDIVA– Floods have severely affected the Omusati region, cutting off schools, clinics, businesses and other essential services.
TheOutapiand Anamulenge constituencies are the most-affected.
Omusati governor Erginus Endjala said authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
“The government has put in place disaster risk management teams to assess the situation and take possible actions,” he stated.
Out api councillor Immanuel Shikongo said 11 schools in his constituency are affected, with nine forced to close due to rising water levels.
Many villages are flooded, with some residents evacuated to safer areas.
“Heavy rains in Angola have caused water levels to rise in the oshanas (flood plains). Water is now flowing in the Oukwandongo, Oupaka and Olukeke streams, submerging homes and mahangu fields,” he added.
Drought relief distribution has been disrupted, as flooded roads prevent access to remote areas.
“Food is usually delivered by trucks, but they cannot reach the affected areas because the roads are flooded,” Shikongo noted.
He urged the government to build access bridges to schools and clinics to prevent such closures during the rainy season.
In addition, government should urgently approve the Constituency Development Fund to address emergency needs. Frustrated residents blame the government for poor planning.
“Every year, we face the same problem. Yet, nothing is done to ensure food reaches us during the rainy season,” said Simson Shilongo from the Nayitembu village.
Martha Shihepo from Hamunyala in Outapi said residents remain stranded, as floodwaters continue to rise.
“Many people fear the crisis could worsen if no urgent action is taken,” she added.
Many of these residents live in flood-prone areas due to a lack of available plots.
“We have no choice but to settle in these areas because there is nowhere else to go,” said one relocated resident, who currently lives in a tent.
Community members are calling for urgent government intervention, including alternative routes for food distribution, and safer land for housing.
Flooded schools
Ondeka Combined School, Ondeitotela Junior Primary School, Omufitu-North Combined School, Okaelona Primary School, Omaandje Combined School, Onelao Combined School, Oshikulufitu Combined School and Oshiputu Combined School are among 20 schools which are temporarily closed across the region due to flooding.
Anamulenge Constituency councillor Tylves Angala told New Era that most of the schools were closed on Monday.
They were expected to remain shut until today.
He, nonetheless, expressed hope that the water levels would subside during the closure, allowing teaching and learning to resume.
“I informed the education inspector in my constituency after investigating and finding out that the water levels had risen to waist and armpit height for learners when crossing,” Angala stated.
He said in addition to the heavy rains in recent days, water inflow, suspected from Angola, has made the situation dangerous for students to cross.
Angala revealed that apart from the Onawa Secondary School, John Pandeni and a few schools located closer to the road, 10 schools in the circuit are closed.
“Some schools, like Omahila Combined School, are close to the road, but remain closed because learners travel long distances and cross rivers to get to school,” he said.
Some pupils wake up as early as 04h00 or 05h00 to attend an 08h00 lesson.
Angala highlighted that the lack of gravel roads in the area exacerbate the issue.
The matter has been reported to the government, and will be addressed.
Executive director of education Sanet Steenkamp confirmed that her team is aware of the school closures, but has not yet received an official report.
“The ministry can take action upon receiving the report to address the issue. However, we will keep the nation informed and explore the best solutions as soon as the report is received,” she said.
Earlier this week, the Namibian Meteorological Services predicted that more rains are expected throughout March.
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