Rundu: Gabriel Muhuli Combined School in the Rundu Rural Constituency of the Kavango East Region dismissed learners at 11h00 on Wednesday and Thursday due to a lack of water, sparking concern among parents and teachers. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the parents and teachers told Nampa on Thursday that the shortened school days are disrupting the academic calendar and negatively affecting learning time.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the teachers stated that the school has been facing water shortages since the beginning of the school year. In some instances, they have resorted to bringing water to school from home. They attributed the situation to a long-standing and unresolved water supply problem that began after two ageing water tanks collapsed on three minors in March last year.

The teachers explained that the borehole used by the school was donated many years ago and may be outdated, which they believe could be contributing to the recurring problems. School principal Felix Tangeni said that at the start of the school year, the school contacted the Directorate of Rural Water Supply, which assessed the borehole. The school was instructed to purchase a motor for the borehole, which it did, and the water supply was restored only for a few days.

'However, when we arrived at school yesterday, there was no water again. We called the officials back, and they told us the motor burned,' he explained. Tangeni added that he has not yet reported the matter to the regional education director but intends to do so to seek a lasting solution. Parents and teachers are calling for urgent intervention to restore the water supply and renovate some of the school's classrooms.

Other schools in the Rundu circuit, including Ndama Junior Primary and Mutwarantja Primary, have previously suspended classes or dismissed learners early due to similar challenges.