Safety boost for Engoyi Combined School as region advertises school renovations
A long-awaited sigh of relief is on the horizon for learners and staff at Engoyi Combined School after the Oshikoto Regional Council in November advertised tenders for the renovation of various schools in the region.
The announcement comes nearly two years after serious safety concerns were raised about the school's crumbling infrastructure.
Engoyi Combined School was established in 1979.
The concerns were raised during Namibian Sun's visit to the school in March 2024.
In August NMH re-visited the school and observed no changes made to the dire conditions, which included significant cracks in classroom walls and decades-old, unsanitary pit latrines which learners and teachers are exposed to.
Back in 2024, the structural integrity of the classrooms at the Engoyi Combined School was the primary fear.
At the time, the school’s principal, Mirjam Ndaoya stressed the gravity of the situation, showing this reporter the "big" and extensive cracks on the walls of the run-down structures.
Renewed call
Teachers and learners alike expressed fears that the walls could collapse, posing a significant risk to their safety.
However when contacted for comment yesterday, Ndaoya said that she is happy that the classroom block will be renovated.
“We have been on the list of renovations for a very long time. We are happy to see that a tender is out. The safety of all stakeholders is important to me,” she said.
Meanwhile the renovation of the existing classroom block will not deal with overcrowding.
For years, the school has been able to acquire assistance from good Samaritans for the construction of more classrooms.
Hence the renewed call for support from the school asking if there is any Good Samaritan out there who can assist with the construction of classes which will assist in addressing the issue of overcrowded classrooms.
Engoyi Combined School is situated between Ondangwa and Omuthiya.
[email protected]
The announcement comes nearly two years after serious safety concerns were raised about the school's crumbling infrastructure.
Engoyi Combined School was established in 1979.
The concerns were raised during Namibian Sun's visit to the school in March 2024.
In August NMH re-visited the school and observed no changes made to the dire conditions, which included significant cracks in classroom walls and decades-old, unsanitary pit latrines which learners and teachers are exposed to.
Back in 2024, the structural integrity of the classrooms at the Engoyi Combined School was the primary fear.
At the time, the school’s principal, Mirjam Ndaoya stressed the gravity of the situation, showing this reporter the "big" and extensive cracks on the walls of the run-down structures.
Renewed call
Teachers and learners alike expressed fears that the walls could collapse, posing a significant risk to their safety.
However when contacted for comment yesterday, Ndaoya said that she is happy that the classroom block will be renovated.
“We have been on the list of renovations for a very long time. We are happy to see that a tender is out. The safety of all stakeholders is important to me,” she said.
Meanwhile the renovation of the existing classroom block will not deal with overcrowding.
For years, the school has been able to acquire assistance from good Samaritans for the construction of more classrooms.
Hence the renewed call for support from the school asking if there is any Good Samaritan out there who can assist with the construction of classes which will assist in addressing the issue of overcrowded classrooms.
Engoyi Combined School is situated between Ondangwa and Omuthiya.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article