N$57m facelift for abandoned Oluno school

After three years of neglect and a close call with demolition, Oluno Secondary School in Ondangwa is set to be revitalised.The school, which was closed due to safety concerns, is currently undergoing a N$57 million renovation to prepare for approximately 700 advanced subsidiary-level learners by next year.The site was officially handed over to the National Youth Service (NYS) Investment (the commercial wing of the NYS) at the end of July 2026 by Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge, marking the commencement of the renovation project.The first phase of the renovation, which involved clearing overgrown vegetation and removing roofs, debris and other unwanted materials, has already been completed.The renovation is taking place in three phases: the first phase, valued at N$16 million, the second at N$11 million and the final phase at N$30 million.Upon taking office last year, Iipinge engaged with the directorate of education to prevent the demolition of the school.“Why should we abandon such a significant facility when we face increasing numbers of learners each year? Every admission period is a struggle,” he said.During a recent visit to the school, Iipinge said he was pleased with the progress made so far.“When I initially handed over the site, it was overgrown. Now it is completely cleared. The contractors have already removed the roofs and debris, with phase two set to commence on Monday,” he said.He told Namibian Sun that he remains committed to the timeline for admitting AS-level learners, complete with hostel facilities, by next year.The reopening is expected to ease the shortage of school places.Iipinge also announced plans to recruit new staff, including a principal, qualified teachers, support staff and security personnel.The governor said vacancies will be advertised once renovations are complete.Progress reportOn-site project manager Paulina Petrus reported that the team is working diligently to meet the completion deadline.“The remaining tasks will be finished within the next two months. We will not cease work until the school is fully operational,” she said.Iipinge proposed reusing rubble and leftover materials from the site to repair access roads.“By utilising these materials, we can make a positive impact instead of discarding them,” he emphasised.He appealed to constituency councillors, through the education directorate, to collect the materials, assuring that transportation assistance will be provided by the Roads Contractor Company to constituencies in need.“If you have access roads that hinder teachers and learners from reaching schools, these materials are available," Iipinge said.

N$57m facelift for abandoned Oluno school

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-19

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N$57m facelift for abandoned Oluno school

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-19

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