Niël Terblanché
Residents of Omega 3 in the Zambezi Region, primarily comprising the San people, are taking a bold step by applying to become part of the Kavango East Region.
This move comes after what they describe as years of neglect by local leadership, leaving them without essential services such as clean drinking water, electricity, clinic access, or internet services.
The community’s frustrations have been exacerbated by the prolonged construction and subsequent non-utilization of the hostel at Ndoro Memorial Combined School.
Despite its potential to house about 320 learners and four teachers, the facility remains unoccupied due to the lack of water and electricity.
This situation has forced students to endure long walks to and from school, impacting their safety and educational performance.
The school’s drop from second to tenth place in regional Grade 11 performance rankings last year has been attributed to the malfunction of installed solar panels, further highlighting the community’s plight.
In response to these challenges, the residents have taken to demonstrating, declaring the school closed until their demands are met.
In response, the Zambezi Education Director, Josty Kawana, acknowledged the community’s grievances, stating that the electrification issue falls under the regional council’s jurisdiction.
Despite this, he assured that N$482,000 has been allocated to replace the old, lightning-damaged solar panels, with repairs currently underway.
Kawana also indicated that the nearly complete hostel project is managed centrally by the Education Ministry and the National Planning Commission.
With a tender already issued for the installation of electrical and water services, he expressed optimism that the hostel could be operational by the second school term or next year, depending on the progress of these essential installations.
Additionally, the education directorate has already procured beds, mattresses, and lockers in preparation for the hostel’s opening.
This situation stresses the significant challenges faced by the San community in Omega 3, reiterating the urgent need for improved governance and service delivery.
As the San people seek a better future in the Kavango East Region, their struggle serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in access to basic services across Namibia.
