The Erongo Region requires more than N$230 million to address critical school infrastructure.
This includes the construction of new schools and classrooms, rehabilitation and modernisation of existing facilities.
Funding is further needed for hostels and teachers' accommodation, IT infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, water and sanitation facilities and support facilities.
The funding need was highlighted at the inaugural Erongo Education Infrastructure Investment Conference at Swakopmund.
"Yes, it is true that the children, the Namibian boy child and the Namibian girl child, need an appropriate and conducive environment. They deserve it for them to learn to learn well, to learn to understand, and for them to learn the required competency, so they need that conducive environment," reiterated Erongo Governor Dr. Nathalia |Goagoses.
The region has recorded a significant increase in the school enrolment over the years.
Acting Education Director for the Erongo Region, Nathalia Guriras, said, "Enrolment increased from 5321 in 2020 to 6432 in 2026, meaning there was a base increase of 21% in 2022 and 2026. An increase of 1111 learners created an increase in enrolment from 4098 in 2022 to 5087 in 2026, which gives us a percentage of 24. An increased number of learners is two 989 increased grade one and grade eight enrolments, which gives us an indication of where the pressure has already been experienced. Approximately 4279 learners in the Swakopmund and Omaruru circuits have been accommodated through the platoon system."
'Ageing infrastructure is another challenge,' stressed the Chief Regional Officer at the Erongo Regional Council, Dr. Mupenzeni Ntelamo.
"We are experiencing ageing infrastructures due to various factors. Corrosion in the blasting has an impact on schools. There are school walls that just felt a few kilometres away from us. It's actually the nature of it. It's only God who can control it in. There are areas where we need some resources."
Participants will discuss how these and other challenges facing the region can be addressed collectively.