27 000 learners affected by floods

A total of 27 007 learners have been affected by floods in the North, the minister of education Katrina Hanse-Himarwa announced this afternoon. The minister told the National Assembly that a total of 102 schools in the Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Zambezi regions are heavily affected by the efundja. “Omusati has the highest number of schools (73) affected by the floods. However, most schools that were closed for almost two weeks due to flooding reopened after the mid-term break. Buildings, especially ablution facilities were submerged as most have been damaged and will require some renovations,” said Hanse-Himarwa. The minister added that about ten schools were affected by the floods in Oshana, while four schools have been completely closed in Ohangwena, with a total of 1 636 learners affected. The rising water levels in Zambezi is also a cause of concern, with the rain-swollen Zambezi River reaching 6.5m. This has affected learning at 12 schools in the region. “No schools has been reported closed for now, but the water level is rising very fast and there are plans to immediately close schools such as Nankutwe Combined School, Muzii Combined School and Ikaba Combined School in the coming week as there are no funds to relocate the learners and teachers,” she said.

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