THE heavy rain that fell in many parts of the Omusati Region early last week has forced the Directorate of Education in the region to close 18 schools as it has become difficult for the children and also for the teachers to cross the full oshanas to schools.
Director of Education in the Omusati Region Ester Hipondoka said over the weekend the schools that are closed are, Ombundamuti Primary School, Omaandje Primary school, Oshikulufitu Combined School, Okakekete Primary School, Omufitu-North Combined School, Omahila Combined School, Okaelona PrimarySchool, Okafitu kaKamba Primary School, Dr Dumeni Combined School, Oshiputu Primary School, Ogongo Combined School, Ongolo Combined School, Jerry Ekandjo Combined School, Okanimekwa Combined School, Onangholo Combined School, Uushwa Combined School, Oneeya Combined School as well as Oshalembe Primary School.Hipondoka said there is still a fear that the big flood from Angola will still come, which will further worsen the situation. She said if the big rain and flood come the only solution will be to camp at schools.She said thousands of learners have again been affected by last week’s heavy rain.This is the second time some schools are shut in the region because of water this year, especially in Anamulenge and Okalongo constituencies. With the unusual heavy rain and local flood early in January this year, the Omusati Education Directorate was also forced to close about 70 schools and kindergartens. Early in February this year, the Deputy Minister of Education David Namwandi visited flooded schools in the Omusati Region and called on all stakeholders in the education sector to be prepared for bigger floods that might come and will force some schools to close. Minister Namwandi had said that the weather office had indicated that Namibia is expecting more rain and floods from beginning of March.So far, it is only the Omusati Region who has reported the closure of some schools in the central northern regions.
