ONGWEDIVA – About 15 schools in the Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana regions have suspended classes due to the flooding and heavy rainfall experienced over the past three weeks.
Okalongo constituency councillor in Omusati Laurentinus Iipinge confirmed to New Era yesterday that the flood water has reached several villages there.
“Houses and mahangu fields have been flooded,” he stated.
He said only villages located at the borders of Namibia and Angola have been affected by the flood because the water is flowing from Angola.
Iipinge added that his office is working on arrangements to relocate the affected people to safer areas.
The director of education for the Omusati region, Paulus Kashiimbi, said 11 schools have been temporarily closed.
“Three schools are still operating, but only learners from pre-grade to grade 3 have been sent home,” he noted.
Kashiimbi gave the assurance that his office will organise extra lessons for those learners who have missed classes.
The 11 schools are Oukwandongo Combined School, Okakekete Primary School, Oshiputu Combined School, Ondeitotela Combined School, Embimba Combined School, Mupolo Primary School, Elao Primary School, Naiti Primary School, Ondombeyohumba Combined School, Oshatotwa Combined School and Oshaluwata Combined School.
Education director in Ohangwena Isak Hamatwi reported that schools such as Oshingunguma Combined School and Onghala Combined School have likewise suspended classes.
“Learners at Uudjumbala Junior Secondary School are camping at the school because it is surrounded by water,” he added.
These learners face challenges of food and blankets.
Hamatwi said the Ndapona Yashikende Primary School is still operating, but only learners in grades 8 and 9 attend classes.
“We closed the school because it is not safe. We do not want the learners to become victims of drowning,” he said.
He urged parents to continue monitoring their children, and prevent them from playing in the water to avoid drowning incidents.
Also speaking to New Era, the education director for Oshana Pauline Shapumba confirmed that Engome Primary School and Ompandakani Combined School have suspended classes.
– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na