Nairobi: About 60 learners from Kambimba Senior Primary School in the Kavango East Region are set to benefit from a new hostel block to be constructed by Namibia Berries.

The learners, who come from nearby villages, are currently accommodated in a makeshift hostel built by their parents.

According to Namibia Press Agency,Namibia Berries made the official announcement at the school on Thursday after the regional leadership approached the company for assistance.

Namibia Berries is a large-scale commercial hydroponic blueberry farming project based in Divundu along the Kavango River.

Speaking at the event the Namibia Berries founder and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rodenburg, said the regional leadership shared photographs showing the conditions under which the learners were living.

He said the situation prompted the company to approach its investment partners in Europe to secure funding for the construction of a new hostel.

'The current hostel has poor living conditions, with learners reportedly sleeping on the floor and receiving only one meal a day. The structure also has holes and openings and leaks when it rains,' Rodenburg said.

'We are expecting to start the foundation before the end of the year and complete the project by March next year,' he said.

Rodenburg said the company wants construction to start before the rainy season because the current hostel is not suitable for the learners.

Director of Education in the Kavango East Region, Christine Shilima, said the new hostel will have separate accommodation for boys and girls, as well as a kitchen and dining hall.

She said proper infrastructure is important for creating a good learning environment.

'Providing quality education requires that our infrastructure is up to standard. Thus, news that Namibia Berries was coming on board and meeting government halfway is a relief to me,' Shilima said.

Rodenburg said the company will announce the amount being invested in the project at a later stage.