Oshikoto region: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has acknowledged concerns raised on social media regarding infrastructure and water supply challenges at King Shuumbwa Nangolo Primary School in the Onkumbula Circuit of the Oshikoto Region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the school currently accommodates 144 learners from pre-primary to Grade 6 and is staffed by nine teachers. Although previously classified as underutilised due to low enrolment, learner numbers have steadily increased since 2024.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Executive Director Mbumba Haitengela acknowledged that the school faces significant infrastructure challenges. Learners are currently taught in temporary shed classrooms, with some classes conducted under trees, while ablution facilities remain inadequate. "These conditions are not ideal and underscore the urgent need for improved educational infrastructure in rural areas," the statement said.
Haitengela noted that efforts are underway to improve conditions at the school, with traditional leader King Shuumbwa Nangolo having sponsored the construction of two classrooms. Although construction has temporarily stalled due to a shortage of building materials, the ministry remains optimistic that work will resume and be completed soon.
"Water supply is another major challenge. The school relies on a community borehole that frequently breaks down. To address immediate needs, the Oshikoto Regional Directorate delivered water to the school by tanker on 08 June 2026," he said.
He added that the directorate is engaging relevant authorities to secure a permanent water solution for the school. Haitengela further noted that water shortages remain a broader challenge across the Oshikoto Region, with many schools affected by low water pressure because the region is situated at the end of the pipeline supplying water from Oshakati.
"The school formally requested permanent classrooms and ablution facilities in November 2025. It was subsequently prioritised in the circuit and regional infrastructure development plans for the 2026/27 financial year. However, implementation was delayed due to insufficient funding under the Building Enhancement Fund and renovation allocations," he said.
Despite the resource constraints, the ministry assured parents, learners, staff, and the broader community that efforts are ongoing to address the situation and that it will continue working with stakeholders to secure sustainable improvements.