Swakopmund:Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses is advocating for stronger regional involvement, accountability, and monitoring in education infrastructure projects. She emphasizes that funding and responsibilities should align with the actual needs of schools and communities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, /Goagoses raised these concerns during the region's inaugural education infrastructure investment conference held in Swakopmund. She questioned the coordination of infrastructure projects and urged stakeholders to ensure that investments lead to tangible improvements for learners.
The governor stressed the need for regional authorities to be involved in decisions affecting infrastructure development. She highlighted the importance of aligning functions with funds to ensure that projects meet priority needs and provide value for money.
Furthermore, /Goagoses urged stakeholders to focus on critical unfinished or under-resourced projects when mobilizing support for schools, rather than making contributions without determining the areas of greatest need.
Her concerns arise amid mounting pressure on infrastructure across the Erongo region. Acting Regional Education Director Helen Asino reported that the region currently has 99 schools serving 60,988 learners, with enrollment expected to rise due to population and economic growth. Projections indicate that the number of learners will increase to 64,037 by 2027 and 67,239 by 2028, with significant rises in Grade 1 and Grade 8 enrollments.
Asino noted that the pressure is already evident, with 684 Grade 1 learners unplaced in Swakopmund and over 2,161 learners accommodated through the platoon system in Walvis Bay. Omaruru is also facing increasing enrollment pressure.
Erongo Deputy Education Director Natalia Guriras pointed out that the infrastructure challenges extend beyond classrooms to include teachers' accommodation, furniture, sanitation, ICT facilities, and the maintenance and renovation of existing schools. She underscored the need for interventions to address both immediate shortages and the region's long-term growth.
The education directorate estimates that an additional 87 classrooms and teachers will be needed by 2027, and 91 by 2028, along with necessary furniture and supporting facilities.