Okankolo
The private sector in Oshikoto has pooled resources to construct toilets at Ashihaya Primary School situated in the rural area of Okankolo, some 80 kilometres north-east of Omuthiya, where incidents were reported of snakes biting learners relieving themselves in the bush.
The school consists of 132 learners from pre-primary to grade five and five teachers, and over time staff members and learners have been prone to snake bites as they have to use the bush to relieve themselves when nature calls.
Six ablution facilities are envisaged to be constructed at the school, but the value of the total cost is not yet determined.
The donation which was facilitated by the governor’s office drew a total of 120 bags of cement, with 100 bags having been donated by Tulimevava Fishing cc through its Oshikoto Community Trust as well as Roadhouse Guest House and Oshikango Garage that each pledged ten bags of cement.
“We found out about the dire state of the school in June, during my outreach visits to the community and that’s when we decided to source funds to arrest the situation because it was really bad. At the moment we have already sent engineers to do the site inspection and make the specification of how the toilets will be built and how many are needed,” explained Oshikoto Governor Henock Kankoshi on Monday at the official handover.
Representing Tulimevava Fishing cc was prominent businessman Nico Kaiyamo who indicated their utmost dedication to investing in all forms of activity that involves improving the educational sector in the region.
“Be assured that Tulimevava has been and stands ready to be a partner in making sure residents of the great region are not left out as we march towards prosperity under the leadership of President Hage Geingob. In Harambee Prosperity Plan, one of the five legs refers to social progression, among others the action on how to address the issue of sanitation and to be specific – rural toilets. That’s why we didn’t hesitate when the governor briefed us on the challenges faced by the teachers and learners where they have to rely on the bushes nearby when nature calls,” stated an exuberant Kaiyamo.
Meanwhile, Kankoshi informed the several stakeholders that they have shortlisted a contractor who will make 5 400 bricks from 100 bags of cement at an expense of N$16 000 and soon after construction will commence.