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Otjomuise flood relocation: Children struggle to access education due to lack of schools and transport

GRATEFUL, BUT CHALLENGED … Gertrude Human (40), a relocated flood victim from Otjomuise, says she is grateful for her new home, but faces challenges. These include the distance to schools and transport. Human, a mother of three, says one of her children will attend the University of Namibia this year, another is in Grade 9, and the youngest is in Grade 6. She hopes the promised schools and better transportation options for relocated flood victims will be provided soon. Photo: Henry van Roo

The children of the Otjomuise residents who were relocated to Goreangab Dam’s Green Mountain after heavy floods earlier this month are struggling to get to school.

This is due to a lack of nearby schools and affordable transport services.

Queentelin van Rooyen (37), a mother of four, says two of her primary school daughters are still at home because the family cannot afford transport to their school at Otjomuise.

“We need the City of Windhoek or the government to help with transportation or to build a school nearby so our children can study,” she says.

Gertrude Human (40), another relocated resident, has similar concerns.

She has three children, one of whom is set to attend the University of Namibia (Unam), while her Grade 6 child stays with her in Green Mountain.

“I’m happy to be here, because my previous home was too close to the river bed, but the distance to schools and the lack of transport are big challenges,” she says.

DESTINATION GREEN MOUNTAIN … The Green Mountain area at Goreangab Dam in Windhoek, where vic- tims of the floods that damaged their homes earlier this month have been relocated to.

Christel van der Byl, a mother of seven, says four of her children are supposed to be in school, but remain at home due to transport issues.

“I’m happy to have a place to live, but the space is too small, and there’s no room for the children to play. It’s frustrating,” she says.

Earlier this month, heavy rains destroyed homes at Otjomuise, forcing residents to seek refuge.

The City of Windhoek relocated the affected families to tents at Green Mountain – a site which had many expressing mixed feelings.

City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya says the relocation was necessary to ensure residents’ safety during the rainy season.

“We are working with stakeholders to address these challenges, including providing clean water, sanitation and access to education and healthcare. These interventions require time due to logistical complexities,” she says.

Amutenya urges the relocated residents to remain patient as the city implements a phased plan to improve their living conditions.

While some residents, such as Maria Iindongo, are grateful for the relocation, many say the situation remains dire.

“We lost everything in the floods, and now our children are losing out on education. We need urgent solutions,” Van Rooyen says.

The City of Windhoek says it will be setting up schools and healthcare services at Green Mountain.

Amutenya says sites for police and healthcare services have been demarcated, with construction to start soon.

“Plans for education facilities for kindergarten and affected schoolgoing children are underway,” she says.

Amutenya says the city will be improving road networks to enhance accessibility, and will also set up new waterpoints.

PLACEMENT… Otjomuise residents whose houses were washed away by  rain have been moved to Goreangab greenmountain location by the City of Windhoek. Photo:Henry Van Rooi

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