Epupa circuit: Teaching and learning at Orumana Combined School in the Epupa Circuit were disrupted on Tuesday when learners boycotted classes over a worsening water shortage that has affected the school's hostel and sanitation facilities.According to Namibia Press Agency, the water crisis at the school, which has a total enrolment of 914 learners, is driven by challenges with its water supply system, including infrastructure failure and issues with the local borehole. Orumana Combined School principal Matti Kamukulwa stated that the problem had worsened in recent weeks, making it difficult for the school to operate normally. "The shortage has created serious challenges at the school hostel, where staff are struggling to prepare meals and maintain proper hygiene," the principal said. He warned that if the situation continues, it could lead to serious hygiene challenges and affect the well-being of learners.Kamukulwa mentioned that the education ministry has arranged to send a truck to assist the school wi th fetching water as a temporary intervention, while efforts continue to find a more reliable water supply. Contacted for comment, Kunene Regional Director of Education, Sophia Frederick, said Orumana Combined School is not the only school affected by water challenges in the region, as several schools are facing similar problems. Frederick highlighted that the issue is caused by factors such as leaks in water pipes and challenges with boreholes. "The pump that we bought is working, but the water is not coming out," she said.She further explained that the ministry has approved the use of a water truck as an immediate intervention, while plans are underway to drill about 19 boreholes across schools in the Kunene Region. Frederick acknowledged that permanently resolving water challenges remains difficult due to the region's conditions. "If we are suspending schools because of water challenges, it means about 60 per cent of schools in Kunene will be suspended," she said. She emphasised that teaching and learnin g cannot be suspended because of the challenges and schools should continue operating while authorities work on solutions.