EISEB – Eiseb Primary School (PS) in the Omaheke region is yet to open, nearly two weeks after the start of the academic year, due to a severe water shortage.
By yesterday, the situation had not changed.
Situated in the Otjombinde constituency about 120 kilometres from Okatumba Gate, the school accommodates 400 learners . Eiseb PS principal Paulus Marenga told Nampa that the school relies on a community borehole, which currently lacks sufficient water.
The recurring issue began in 2020, and has delayed the opening of the school. “This has been an ongoing problem. The education authority is aware of this situation. They made several attempts to solve it, but still, we are struggling,” said Marenga. He said they asked the learners to stay at home due to the ongoing drilling. “The process was supposed to delay the resumption of the school for five days only,” said the principal. Approached for comment, Omaheke’s education inspector Eliakim Katunavandu Kavari acknowledged the water crisis.
He said the education ministry has so far spent close to N$500 000 in efforts to solve the issue. “There were even pledges from the Catherine Bullen Foundation to help with the drilling of a borehole for the school. However, it was ultimately directed to Donkerbos,” Kavari said. He stated that the ministry has provided funds for the drilling of a borehole, which has already commenced. Kavari is also the regional acting deputy director of education.
He said alternative solutions, including trucking water from neighbouring villages, are being prepared in case of further delays. The school’s opening date will be determined this week. “We will monitor the situation closely,” he said. He noted that N$1.5 million has been allocated by the education ministry to address water crises in schools across Omaheke.
This includes the Chief Sophia and Chief Hosea Kutako primary schools, which are also facing similar challenges. -Nampa