Coblenz: Teachers and community members at Coblenz settlement in the Okakarara Constituency on Tuesday raised concerns with political leaders over severe overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure at the settlement's combined school.According to Namibia Press Agency, during a meeting with the settlement development committee, Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Khamuseb, who led the political delegation, was informed that many learners are forced to sit on the floor, while others share desks due to a shortage of furniture. ||Khamuseb, accompanied by Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi and Okakarara Constituency Councillor Kapika Tjaverua, later visited the school, where they found that approximately 350 chairs, 270 desks, and 22 sets of teachers' furniture are urgently needed.School board chairperson Rapupara Tjipura highlighted the dire situation, noting that the school now accommodates both primary and secondary learners up to Grade 11, exacerbating the overcrowding issue. Tjipura calle d for the construction of a separate secondary school with its own hostel to ease the burden on the existing facilities.Acting principal Simijon Mpepa informed the delegation that the school, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in September 2026, is in a state of disrepair, requiring extensive renovations. Mpepa described the floors as old, ceilings collapsing, and windows damaged, with many chairs and desks broken. He acknowledged the efforts of community members, led by school patron Zebra Kasete, who managed to renovate the Grade 8C classroom between December 2025 and February 2026.The delegation also inspected the school hostels and found that learners sleep on old, torn mattresses. Nekundi described the situation as disheartening and pledged to provide new desks and chairs before the end of the year, noting that the education directorate is decentralized to the regional council under his leadership.A similar meeting occurred at Okamatapati settlement, where community members and members of th e settlement development committee raised the same concerns. Residents expressed that overcrowded classrooms are negatively affecting the quality of teaching and learning at Okamatapati Combined School.