Ohangwena closes schools over floods

Just five days into the 2023 academic year, the Ohangwena education directorate has closed two of its schools due to persistent flooding, sending home over 800 learners.

The region's education director Isak Hamatwi yesterday told Namibian Sun that Onghala Combined School, which has over 500 learners, and Shingunguma Primary School, which has 331 learners, will be closed for the next two weeks.

“If the water level has not improved, the decision remains the same,” he said.

Questioned on whether schools cannot have access to boats or canoes to help learners cross the floodwater, Hamatwi said it would be a delight if they could get this kind of assistance.

They will submit a disaster risk management report to the Office of the Prime Minister and see what assistance will be rendered to them, he added.

On Monday, Hamatwi announced that six schools have been affected by the flood in the region thus far. So far, only the Ohangwena circuit, which borders Angola, has been affected.

Other affected schools which remain under observation are Onyofi Combined School, Ndilokelwa Primary School, Udjombala Senior Secondary School and Ohaingu Primary School.

According to the education director, if the situation persists, learners from these schools may be requested to stay home as well.

Learner safety

At an Onghala Combined School parents' meeting, principal Absai Haiduwa said if the water levels have not subsided within the next two weeks, they will extend the closure period.

“We suspended the classes to keep the learners safe. There are snakes in the water. It is not safe for the learners, nor some of the parents who help their little ones cross.”

He added that the school leadership will inform traditional leaders and engage radio stations to announce when classes start again.

Disappointed parents

Anna Haimbala, one of the parents in attendance, has three children at Onghala Combined School.

She said although she is disappointed and feels bad that the children will have their lessons disturbed, no one can be blamed because flood is a natural disaster.

“We are not angry. It’s nature. We just wish there were better solutions which are beneficial to the learners’ education process.”

Haimbala said on Monday she assisted her children to cross the floodwater to get to school, but when she saw the water reaching her hip level, she asked those in the lower grades to go back home while she escorted the older children.

Another parent, Talaonghenda Nghidengwa, shared the same sentiments.

Even to attend the meeting, the two had to cross the floodwater, they said. Some parents used a small inflatable boat.

Nghidengwa added that she is disappointed that the newly constructed gravel road leading to the school looks like it will be destroyed by the water.

After the meeting, the children and their parents crossed the floodwater back to their homes.

Lost life

Meanwhile, Lucia Ndapandu Nghinananye (10) drowned in an earth dam at Omungwelume village in the Ongenga constituency on Sunday afternoon.

Spokesperson for the Namibian Police, Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi, said it is alleged that the deceased and other children were fishing.

She cautioned the public that water incidents have started in Ohangwena, and urged them not to underestimate the level and power of the floodwater.

“With so much water now, many are embarking on fishing and catching frogs, while children embark on swimming activities and some are crossing through water to go to school.

“The nation in the Ohangwena Region is cautioned to be very careful when in areas surrounded by plenty of water.”

Shikwambi added that parents should educate and deter children from playing, crossing and swimming in the water unless supervised.

– [email protected]