No water, no school in dry Rundu
Rundu schools are releasing children after only a few hours of classes because of a water shortage.
Water shortages in Rundu have now tripped up the education sector, with learners being sent home.
This month, Namibian Sun observed schools at the riverside town releasing learners as early as 10:00 as a result of the lack of water.
With the education sector negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, learners do not go to school every day as part of government's measures to curb the spread of the virus and the water situation at the town, Rundu's learners continue to get the short end of the stick.
Kavango East education director Fanuel Kapapero confirmed the water shortage at schools, and described the situation as “very bad”.
“Yes, it's true and if you release learners at 10:00, it means proper learning and teaching is not taking place,” he said.
He further appealed to the local authority to ensure that water is provided to schools next semester.
Proposed boreholes
Earlier this month, Namibian Sun reported that the Rundu town council is considering drilling boreholes to address its water woes. Acting Rundu CEO Sam Nekaro said NamWater's infrastructure was only meant to cater for the population 30 years ago, and since it has not been upgraded, there is “no way” all 90 000 Rundu residents will be catered to using the same infrastructure.
He said while NamWater is planning a study on how to improve its infrastructure - something he said will take some time - drilling boreholes appears to be the best solution at the moment.
“As a temporary measure, what we can do is invest in boreholes. There is nothing NamWater can do now,” Nekaro said.
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This month, Namibian Sun observed schools at the riverside town releasing learners as early as 10:00 as a result of the lack of water.
With the education sector negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, learners do not go to school every day as part of government's measures to curb the spread of the virus and the water situation at the town, Rundu's learners continue to get the short end of the stick.
Kavango East education director Fanuel Kapapero confirmed the water shortage at schools, and described the situation as “very bad”.
“Yes, it's true and if you release learners at 10:00, it means proper learning and teaching is not taking place,” he said.
He further appealed to the local authority to ensure that water is provided to schools next semester.
Proposed boreholes
Earlier this month, Namibian Sun reported that the Rundu town council is considering drilling boreholes to address its water woes. Acting Rundu CEO Sam Nekaro said NamWater's infrastructure was only meant to cater for the population 30 years ago, and since it has not been upgraded, there is “no way” all 90 000 Rundu residents will be catered to using the same infrastructure.
He said while NamWater is planning a study on how to improve its infrastructure - something he said will take some time - drilling boreholes appears to be the best solution at the moment.
“As a temporary measure, what we can do is invest in boreholes. There is nothing NamWater can do now,” Nekaro said.
[email protected]
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