Allexer Namundjembo
The ministry of education has confirmed that land has been allocated for the construction of a new school for learners of Ndama East Primary School in Rundu.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the education executive director, Erastus Haitengela, said consultations were held with the community before the Ndama South site was legally allocated by the Rundu Town Council.
The site measures 75 000 square metres.
“In contrast, the currently occupied ground is not legally registered. The two sites are 900 metres apart, which falls within the accepted planning standards for school establishment,” Haitengela said.
The announcement comes amid concern over conditions at Ndama East Primary School, which was established by the community in 2022.
Currently, learners are taught under trees, with only three corrugated iron classrooms serving more than 630 students and 15 volunteer teachers.
Chief complaint investigator at the office of the Ombudsman Utjitiraije Mberirua previously stressed that the situation exposed learners to harsh weather conditions, with metal plates being used as chalkboards.
Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha, had flagged the matter as urgent and called for swift action.
This week, student bodies have expressed concern over the continued neglect.
The national secretary for information and publicity of the Student Union of Namibia (SUN), Johannes Malapi, said the lack of classrooms was a violation of Article 20 of the Constitution and discriminatory under Article 10.
Meanwhile, Mitch Muatuli of the National African Students Association (Nasa) demanded temporary shelters to protect learners while waiting for permanent structures.
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda, who visited the school, said 552 learners continue to attend classes under trees.
He pledged to raise the matter in parliament and assist the community.
Community members welcomed the ministry’s announcement but called for immediate intervention, stressing that the Ombudsman’s recommendations must result in real change.
