Northern schools confident they can weather efundja threat

Despite persistent rainfall experienced across the northern reaches, the educational landscape remains resilient.

Education directorates Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana confirmed last week that learning continues unabated, with no official calls for school closures despite the rising seasonal waters.

Historically, this time of year brings with it the looming threat of the efundja (floods), often leading to the displacement of learners and the suspension of classes.

However, authorities report a stable situation on the ground, citing a mixture of manageable water levels and improved preparedness.

In the Oshikoto region, education director Hilma Nuunyango-George provided a reassuring update in an interview last week, stating that the situation is being monitored closely but remains under control.

“Not now in the Oshikoto region; we don’t have any school requesting [closure],” Nuunyango-George confirmed.

She noted that while the rains have been consistent, the infrastructure has held up and access routes to various schools remain navigable for both learners and teachers.

A similar sentiment was echoed in the Ohangwena region, which is often one of the hardest-hit areas due to its geographical vulnerability to water flowing in from across the Angolan border.

Ohangwena education director, Isak Hamatwi, dismissed fears of a potential efundja-related shutdown.

“There is no call for the closure of schools. All is well,” Hamatwi stated firmly.

He emphasised that the directorate remains in constant communication with circuit inspectors to ensure that if the situation changes, a rapid response plan is in place.

Academic calendar intact

For now, the academic calendar remains the priority.

In the Omusati region, where vast plains often turn into waterlogged channels during heavy rains, acting director of education, Justina Amupolo, reported a status quo of normalcy.

“No school has closed so far due to flooding in the Omusati region,” Amupolo said.

She noted that while some areas are seeing increased water levels in the oshanas (floodplains), it has not yet reached a threshold that endangers the safety of the children or prevents them from reaching their classrooms.

The Oshana region directorate shared a similar outlook, indicating that school activities are proceeding as scheduled.

While the region remains the basin for much of the northern water runoff, the current rainfall has not yet necessitated the drastic measures seen in previous high-flood years.

Officials mnitor flood risks

This atmosphere of calm stands in contrast to past seasons where April signalled a period of disaster management.

Previous media reports from the Namibian Sun have highlighted years where dozens of schools were forced to shut their doors, impacting thousands of learners and destroying classroom infrastructure.

While the current reports are positive, officials are not complacent.

The education ministry works alongside the Office of the Prime Minister’s disaster risk management unit to monitor the rainfall patterns throughout the remainder of the season.

Parents and guardians have been encouraged to remain cautious, particularly when children are crossing water-heavy areas.

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