The closure of the Tsumkwe Community Learning and Development Centre due to renovations has left many residents without access to library services for over a year.

Residents of Tsumkwe and the surrounding villages report that the closure of the centre is adversely affecting their access to educational resources and internet services in the area.

The Tsumkwe Community Learning and Development Centre, which also functions as a community library, has been closed for a year and three months while renovation work is ongoing.

Residents say the facility played an important role in supporting learners, job seekers, and community members who relied on the centre for studies, research, and internet access.

Hanni |Narib, a student, expressed, "We became accustomed to receiving assistance at the centre for tasks such as making copies, typing, and conducting research with library books. However, since the centre has been closed for renovations, it has taken an extended period, and we, as students and community members, have been adversely affected. We are unable to accomplish anything due to the closure, and there has been no communication regarding when the construction will be completed."

He further explained that it would be helpful to acquire a temporary place where they can set up two to three computers for use while waiting for renovations.

The Chairperson of Tsumkwe Youth, an organisation based in the constituency, stated, "The closure is having a significantly negative impact on the youth and Tsumkwe as a whole, as individuals require access to facilities to print their CVs, work on job attachments, and complete other essential tasks."

They are now calling for the renovation process to be completed as soon as possible.

The Deputy Director for Lifelong Learning at the Otjozondjupa Education Directorate, Katrina Shikuni, informed NBC News she would investigate the cause of the delay.