Water shortages halt gardening at Omukwiyuugwemanya
For months, learners at Omukwiyugwemanya Senior Secondary School have watched their school garden dry up, with no crops harvested this year because of a severe water shortage.
Frequent interruptions to the supply from the Onandjokwe-Oshigambo pipeline have left the school, which accommodates 480 learners, including 145 boarders, with just one water tank. The limited supply is barely enough for drinking and sanitation, leaving little water for gardening.
“We can only reserve a small amount of water for domestic use, as our learners require most of it,” said Jason Nampunda, the school's head of hostel and a teacher.
Speaking to Network Media Hub during the handover of 10 000-litre water tanks worth N$200 000 to eight schools with community hostels on Tuesday, Nampunda said the school usually seeks assistance from the regional office during water shortages. However, schools in the more remote Onkumbula Circuit, where water scarcity is more severe, are often given priority.
The donation is expected to ease the school's water challenges and create an opportunity to revive its garden.
Nampunda said he approached the Office of the Oshikoto Governor in July to request assistance, and his request was approved.
Revival
“With this donation, we will have a significant capacity for water storage to supplement the existing supply at the hostel. This tank will be specifically installed at the hostel to improve sanitation for our learners,” he said.
He added that reliable water storage would also enable the school to revive its garden, support crop production and provide practical learning opportunities for agriculture learners.
At the handover, Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi emphasised the important role community hostels play in accommodating learners who travel long distances to attend school. “These hostels become a second home for our children, and it is our responsibility to support them with essential services that enable them to live and learn in a safe and healthy environment,” Kathindi said.
He described the provision of the tanks as a proactive response to the region's water supply and storage challenges. “By enhancing access to water at hostel facilities, we are taking a crucial step towards improving hygiene standards, supporting food preparation, ensuring sanitation, and creating an environment that promotes academic success,” he said.
The beneficiary schools are Omukwiyugwemanya Senior Secondary School, King Kauluma Combined School, Amen Combined School, Evale Combined School, Onyuulaye Combined School, Elombe Combined School, Iipopo Combined School and Ekulo Senior Secondary School.
Kathindi urged school management, hostel supervisors, staff and learners to take collective responsibility for the tanks and ensure they are properly maintained for current and future generations.
He said his office remained committed to working with stakeholders to address challenges affecting local communities, adding that educational infrastructure and services at schools would continue to receive attention.
The governor also plans to visit all eight beneficiary schools to check that the tanks are being properly maintained and assess whether further assistance is needed.
