Otjozondjupa Governor John Julius |||Khamuseb has commended the Education Directorate on the continued progress made to address the widespread school furniture shortage in the region.
He made this observation during his State of the Region address, in which he said the directorate achieved this despite limited funding.
A total of 2,846 desks and 3,325 chairs have been refurbished and distributed to schools, while 1,014 desks and 1,312 chairs are still under repair.
The region is home to about 56,968 learners, with 1,959 teaching staff.
"This initiative is in collaboration with key stakeholders such as |Khorab Secondary School, Paresis Secondary School, COSDEC-Otjiwarongo, NamWater HRD Centre, and Namibia Correctional Services. To date, around 2,846 desks and 3,325 chairs have been refurbished and distributed to schools, while 1,014 desks and 1,312 chairs are still under repair. This project was allocated a total budget of N$3.4 million with a current expenditure of N$2.2 million and continues to make a tangible difference in improving the learning environment across the region."
On infrastructure development, ||Khamuseb says N$22 million was used by the directorate to construct 42 classrooms and one ablution block each at schools in Grootfontein, Okahandja, and Otjiwarongo.
"Despite commendable progress, the Directorate continues to face challenges such as ageing infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, hostel shortages, and limited funding for development and capital projects. However, the ministry remains committed to improving access and quality of education through continued investment and innovative solutions. Increased funding is essential to address disparities and ensure safe, conducive learning environments for all learners in the region."
N$11 million is budgeted for renovation works at Okakarara Primary School, Okahandja Secondary, and Kalfeld Primary Schools, all of which were affected by wind and rain storms last year.
Another key achievement is the opening of the Grootfontein Primary School this year.