Windhoek: Renovations to the Sikosinyana Senior Secondary School in the Sibbinda Constituency of the Zambezi Region are currently underway, with the teachers' and learners' toilets now fully functional. The principal, Harris Tuombale, confirmed to Nampa on Thursday that the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre (ZVTC) has been contracted to renovate the school during the current mid-term holiday, with N$300,000 secured in April from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. The funds were obtained through the efforts of the newly appointed school patron, Ruthy Masake, who is the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Tuombale stated that the school's science laboratory, initially excluded from the planned renovation, has now been included because the school will offer Grade 12 Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level in 2027. "One of the requirements for the AS level is a standard laboratory. The facility is currently being revamped and fine-tuned, with work standing at 95% complete," he said.
He further noted that the project involves the renovation of two classroom blocks, comprising eight classrooms, including repairing floor cracks and repainting. The hostel blocks will also be painted, and all renovation work is expected to be completed before the end of September 2026. Tuombale disclosed that materials procured for the project cost N$210,000, including transportation from town to the school, a distance of 60 kilometres. The estimated labour costs amount to over N$60,000.
Tuombale explained that the school management, board, and regional education directorate agreed to focus strictly on urgent infrastructure needs, such as the toilets, due to limited funds. "The comprehensive hostel budget exceeds N$1.5 million, which means we will have to scout for further funding. Minor issues, such as painting the hostel, were phased into the current budget," he stated.
The school's dilapidated dormitories currently accommodate 246 learners, which is over its official carrying capacity of 192, he said, stressing that 200 learners are forced to rent accommodation in surrounding villages. Established in 1981, Sikosinyana serves as a senior secondary transition hub for several schools and currently enrols 450 learners.