Omusati: The Kavango West Directorate of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture updated the Regional Development Coordinating meeting on Tuesday about the progress of ongoing school construction and renovation projects. The region is reportedly making progress despite facing challenges related to funding and implementation. According to Namibia Press Agency, Chief Education Officer for Planning and Development, Matheus Kudumo, provided insights into the ongoing projects, highlighting that construction of classrooms, hostels, and other essential facilities is progressing in various circuits. Kudumo emphasized that while progress is evident, significant work remains to meet the local educational needs. Kudumo reported on the construction of ten pre-primary classrooms across five schools. The CL Johannes and Alpheus Mpasi primary schools have each completed two classrooms, while the Hausiku Selma and Gcwagi primary schools' classrooms are 35 percent complete. He also noted that major capital pr ojects, such as multi-purpose blocks at Sharukwe, Nakazaza, and Rupara combined schools, are advancing, with new classrooms, libraries, computer labs, laboratories, and ablution blocks between 65 and 70 percent complete. The upgrading of Bravel Mankupi Boarding Primary School, a N$69 million initiative, is underway, featuring the construction of hostels, classrooms, teachers' houses, and ablution facilities, with the project currently at 40 percent completion. Kudumo remarked that this project is vital for enhancing educational access for rural learners. Through the Basic Education Fund, several schools are receiving new infrastructure. Maporeza Primary School is progressing at 60 percent completion with eight classrooms, an ablution block, a water tank, and a borehole, while Cause Primary School's four classrooms and ablution block are halfway done. Additionally, the Kahenge, Ngoma, Ncagcu, and Karanawa schools are benefitting from specialized classrooms, ablution, and water projects. Kudumo also announce d the establishment of a new school, valued at N$40 million, expected to be completed by March 2027. The new school will feature 26 classrooms, two pre-primary classrooms, a science laboratory, a computer lab, a library, two ablution blocks, and a fence. In terms of renovations, work is ongoing at Mupini and Ncamagoro combined schools on five-classroom blocks, with progress at 25 percent and 65 percent respectively. Nkurenkuru and Tondoro combined schools are at five percent, with part payments already made to the Rundu Vocational Training Centre. Kudumo emphasized the Directorate's focus on expanding access, improving conditions, and supporting teaching and learning through better infrastructure.