Poor sanitation closes Rundu schools

Poor sanitation closes Rundu schools

RUNDU –  The Rundu Town Council last week ordered the complete closure of two schools, Jafet Haiyambo Senior Primary School and Hompa Sofia Mundjebwe Kanyetu Junior PS, due to poor sanitation.

The schools share ablution facilities, which are in a non-functional state.

“Council instructed a temporary closure of the two schools due to the severity of the situation. It is recommended that Japhet Haiyambo Primary School and Hompa Sophia Junior Primary School be closed until the sanitation facilities are rehabilitated and the premises are safe for use,’’ said the town’s CEO Olavi Nathanael upon enquiry. Since 23 January, the two schools have been sending learners back home at 10h00 daily, but the council last Thursday ordered them to close until the matter has been resolved.

Nathanael said they sent a technical team to investigate why there is low water pressure at that school, while households surrounding the school have good water pressure. “We gave them some recommendations when we closed the school,’’ he said.

To address the critical situation, the council recommended the immediate rehabilitation or replacement of all damaged ablution facilities to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

“Efforts should also aim to eliminate sewage backflows that endanger the health of learners and staff members. The ministry should ensure that learners and staff have access to proper sanitation facilities, protecting their dignity and overall well-being.’’ 

The council recommended timely implementation and monitoring. 

“These recommendations must be implemented as a matter of urgency. Regular follow-up inspections will be conducted to monitor progress and ensure compliance. As it stands, it is not yet clear as to when teaching and learning will resume.

When New Era contacted the region’s education director Christine Shilima on Monday, she said the learners will remain home until the situation is resolved.

“By today, the department of works has not completed the work to restore the toilets operation, and we cannot allow children to get back to school if the renovation work is not done. When the work is done, then we can pronounce ourselves,” she said on Monday.

-jmuyamba@nepc.com.na