N$50m earmarked for Ondangwa school revamp

A full-scale renovation of the old Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Secondary School in Ondangwa, which was built in the 1970s, is set to begin after Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge officially handed over the site on Tuesday, confirming N$50 million in funding for the three-phase project.

Once completed, the school will be renamed Oluno Secondary School, with the first phase of the project allocated N$16 million.

In light of a recent assessment, Iipinge revealed that engineers suggested demolishing the entire structure, a recommendation he firmly opposed.

The renovated school will provide space for Grade 11 and 12 learners who currently have to seek accommodation elsewhere, he said, and will create jobs for new teachers, security personnel and administrative staff.

"We have a lot of qualified teachers in our community who deserve these opportunities," the governor said.

Timeline

The contract for the school's renovation has been awarded to NYS Investment, with Iipinge urging the contractor to start work immediately so the school can be operational by next year. The project is expected to create between 50 and 70 temporary jobs.

Education ministry representative Christopher Petrus said the ministry and the National Planning Commission had agreed on the renovation to accommodate Advanced Level learners. "Last year, we found learners from Oshana travelling as far as the Hardap Region in search of space. By providing adequate facilities in our region, we can keep our learners here," he said.

Iipinge took the opportunity to announce further upgrades in the region, saying another 45 dilapidated government buildings will be evaluated for renovation instead of demolition.

This includes 18 structures in Ondangwa, three in Ongwediva, and 24 in Oshakati, he said.

"There will be no demolitions. We are in need of facilities, and all buildings can be repurposed. We will assess how the budget allows for renovations on a case-by-case basis,” he said.