Kavango east: Contractors in the Kavango East Region have raised concerns over delays and alleged irregularities in a school renovation tender being administered by the Kavango East Regional Council. According to Namibia Press Agency, the contractors, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said that the government allocated more than N.dollars 14 million for the renovation of about 10 dilapidated schools. The project was initially advertised in 2024. Some of the schools earmarked for renovation include Gabriel Muhuli Combined School, Rundu Junior Primary School, Livuyu Junior Primary School, Ngone Combined School, and Ndama Combined School. The contractors reported that the first tender process was cancelled after bids had already been submitted, reportedly due to irregularities during the evaluation stage. Consequently, the allocated funds were allegedly returned to Treasury despite the urgent need for improvements to school infrastructure. The project was re-advertised in January 2026, and co ntractors once again submitted bids. However, the contractors claim that the prescribed 90-day quotation validity period expired without any award being announced. They argue that repeated cancellations waste resources, delay much-needed renovations, and deprive the region of development funding. Documents seen by this news agency show that bids were publicly opened and recorded in accordance with procurement procedures, with about 85 companies participating in the process. 'How long will the delays and uncertainty surrounding the project continue?' the contractors questioned. When approached for comment, Kavango East Director of Education Christine Shilima referred this reporter to the Kavango East Regional Council, saying tenders are handled and awarded by the council. Kavango East Regional Council Public Relations Officer Wilfred Nyambe stated that the Chief Regional Officer had directed the procurement department to respond to the matter, but did not indicate when a response would be provided. Meanwhil e, a teacher at Gabriel Muhuli Combined School said the Directorate of Education had promised that renovations to three school buildings would be completed in 2023. The teacher highlighted concerns about electrical hazards in the classrooms, with switches needing replacement and exposed wires posing a danger to learners. This issue led to the school's temporary closure last year, with learners now being taught in tents that were blown over by strong winds several times last year. A recent assessment found that learners being taught in tents recorded the poorest academic performance during the first term. The teacher also mentioned that snakes are frequently found inside the tents, raising further safety concerns.