The Hardap Education Directorate says it is intensifying efforts to address overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated school infrastructure and inadequate sanitation facilities in the region.

Education Director, Paulus Lewin says several infrastructure projects have been completed, while others are expected to be finalised before the end of the year.

The directorate is implementing a five-year infrastructure development plan alongside its education turnaround strategy, which runs from 2025 to 2029/2030.

In Rehoboth, the newly completed Northside Primary School will become fully operational in 2027, following the construction of additional classrooms, an administrative block, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, a library and ablution facilities.

An early childhood development centre has also been established at the school to strengthen foundational learning.

"We have constructed a brand-new school, Northside Primary School, which will now become a fully-fledged primary school in 2027."

Other projects include hostel renovations at Mariental High School and Kalkrand Primary School, additional classrooms at several schools, and the construction of the first phase of a new boys' hostel at Empelheim High School.

The directorate has also awarded tenders for two additional classrooms each at six schools, including Mariental Primary School, Stampriet Combined School and Aranos Primary School.

Plans are underway to establish additional primary schools in Rehoboth and Mariental to ease overcrowding, as well as a new resource school and hostel at Klein Aub for learners requiring specialised educational support.

"Hardap Region is on its way to restore its rightful place in the Namibian educational landscape and to restore the dignity of the people of the Hardap Region."

The directorate says the successful implementation of these projects will be critical to improving teaching and learning conditions and ensuring that schools are ready to accommodate learners in the 2027 academic year.