The construction of the N$132 million hostel at Otjiwanda Secondary School in Grootfontein is progressing well, with the project expected to significantly improve learner accommodation and create a better environment for teaching and learning.

The project, which commenced in March this year, is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The project includes the construction of boys' and girls' hostels, a kitchen and dining hall, staff houses, sports facilities and other supporting infrastructure.

Project Manager Silas Chikomo says construction is progressing according to schedule without any major setbacks.

"We are doing the construction of the dormitories, which are boys' and girls' hostels, and a kitchen and a dining area, some two houses, some sports fields, the soccer field, and some associated works. So that's the work we are doing here. The project was handed over on the 26th of February; that's when we started, and it will run for two years, which is 24 months, up to April 2028. So I think it's still within these past four months, five months of the project. And it's going well. No challenges so far, no problems so far."

School Principal Robert Mukelebai says the hostel will help restore Otjiwanda's vision of becoming a school of excellence by accommodating more learners and creating opportunities for additional academic support.

" The community is excited not only in terms of accommodation that we are going to provide to the learners, but if you look at the history of Otjivanda, you find there's one school like Otjivanda in Kavango East, which should be Matumbo Libebe, that was built almost with the same standard."

Grootfontein Circuit Inspector Markus Munenge says the new hostel will ease pressure on learner accommodation, particularly for Grade 8 admissions.

"So in terms of the admission of learners for secondary school space, especially for grade eight, we have had quite a lot of challenges in the past where quite a lot of learners are looking for space for grade eight in the town of Grootfontein.

But then when they come to town, they struggle. As much as sometimes they can get space for grade eight, but then some of these children are coming from very far, so they end up staying sometimes in extended families. So now with the construction of the hostel facility, which is actually a very big hostel that we are building at Otjiwanda Secondary.

What it is, is that it will be quite a lot of learners that are looking for secondary school."

Once completed, the N$132 million development is expected to strengthen access to quality education by providing modern boarding facilities and supporting improved academic performance for learners in the Otjozondjupa Region.