Allexer Namundjembo
Kavango West Regional Chairperson and Tondoro Constituency Councillor urged the government to improve school infrastructure.
Sikongo Joseph, made this call last week during a visit to Tondoro Combined School.
He criticised the use of corrugated iron structures as classrooms, highlighting the challenges faced by both learners and teachers due to extreme heat.
“The structures are designed with only one window, and by 11:00 AM, the heat in those classrooms is unbearable unless the learners are sent home by then. Thirty-four years after independence, the government has still not provided quality learning infrastructure, including well-built classrooms to accommodate students,” he said.
He also questioned the government’s repeated claims of insufficient funds for classroom construction, stating that it remains a constitutional duty.
“The constitution states that the state will provide reasonable facilities, but these ‘bashus’ cannot be called classrooms in an independent Namibia. The government must provide reasonable facilities,” he urged.
Joseph pointed out that a two-classroom building constructed in 1972 at Tondoro Combined School has never been repaired or replaced.
“We have 204 students at the school, but they are taught in zinc structures. If you look at this year’s performance, Kavango West has performed well compared to schools with proper infrastructure,” he said.
National African Students Association representative Muzani Muzani blamed regional councils for the lack of proper school infrastructure, arguing that they are responsible for submitting reports to the central government about regional shortcomings.
Muzani said regional councils often return funds to the state despite the need for development.
“We are not blaming the ministry, but the regional councils. They need to review their financial records and show the residents how much was spent and how much was returned to the state. They are supposed to request funds from the government to improve infrastructure in the region,” he said.
He also criticised regional councils for failing to identify areas where schools need to be built, despite high population densities.
“Last year, the government built five schools in rural areas, but you’ll find that fewer than 20 learners are in those classes, while in urban areas, more than 50 learners are in each classroom. They must start planning and properly utilise the funds provided by the government,” he said.
Last month, heavy rains and strong winds destroyed Simwege Junior Primary School in the Kavango West region.
Regional Education Director Pontianus Musore confirmed the damage, saying that the destroyed structures included prefabricated classrooms donated by the community.
Two tents were provided to ensure teaching and learning continued.
The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has requested a full report, an update on the regional plan, and a bill of quantities if financial assistance is needed.
The Kavango East and Kavango West regions have reported incidents of school structures being destroyed by wind.
Last year, two rural schools in Kavango West—Simanya and Satotwa Combined Schools—were upgraded and expanded using grants from the Chinese government.
These schools received new classrooms, hostel buildings, and sports facilities.
The donation also included teacher accommodations, administrative blocks, sanitation facilities, libraries, and beds. Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka accepted the donations on behalf of the government in Satotwa village.
