70 stung by wasps at Otjivero Primary School

WINDHOEK / OTJIVERO – At least 70 learners and teachers at Otjivero Primary School in the Omaheke Region have been stung by wasps, prompting the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) to demand the immediate closure of the school until the infestation is fully cleared.

Speaking on behalf of NANSO, President Dorthea Nangolo,  said the situation poses a serious safety risk, especially because the school caters to primary learners who may not understand the danger and could accidentally disturb wasp nests.

“We were informed that at least 70 people had already been stung. There were situations where teachers and learners had to be sent home because they were stung by wasps,” NANSO said.

The organisation became aware of the issue after it was reported in the media and visited the school to verify the claims. During the visit, NANSO representatives observed wasp nests in trees and inside classrooms, describing the situation as “dire” and unsafe.

“This is a primary school, and you have learners who don’t understand what is going on. They are just running around, and that puts them at serious risk,” NANSO said.

In response, the Omaheke Regional Director of Education Eliakim Kavari D.D   Omaheke confirmed the infestation was first reported last week Tuesday and Wednesday. A work inspector assessed the situation and described it as a serious crisis.

The directorate then consulted the Ministry of Forestry, which said it lacked the equipment to handle the infestation because more than 40 trees on the school grounds were affected. A private contractor was hired and agreed to complete the work in two days.

However, the directorate said the contractor failed to complete the work on time. “To our surprise, after the weekend, we assessed and nothing was done,” the director said. The contractor only returned on Monday and again promised two days to finish.

The directorate said the school was not closed immediately because preventative measures were in place, including learners moving in a single line to avoid infested areas.

NANSO is demanding the school remain closed until the infestation is cleared and the Ministry of Forestry confirms safety.