Given prospects of good rainfall, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said discussions are on to ensure that schools in floodplain areas do not close during the rainy season.

Schools such as Onghala, Ohaingu, Oudjobala and Shingunguma would need urgent intervention to avoid their temporary closures. 

The President said the Ministry of Works and Transport should come up with possible solutions ahead of time, as construction of access roads to the various schools will not be completed on time. 

Last year, floodwaters from neighbouring Angola reached the region, submerging various schools and households and cutting them off from critical services. 

The government used helicopters to ferry critical medical and food supplies to the affected, while some people had to be relocated to camps.

"Perhaps we can develop a concrete plan to provide assistance this time, but even if we begin constructing access roads now, they will not be finished in time due to the impending rain. We need to ensure these schools do not close anymore this year. We are busy caucusing on possible solutions that will enable access to the schools so that they are not closed off. I task you to ensure this work is done within a short period of time while we wait for a lasting solution," said President Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah also urged residents to be patient regarding occasional disruptions of water supply to the Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto Regions. 

She explained that NamWater is upgrading its ageing infrastructure, which will provide sufficient water supply to both urban and rural areas upon completion. 

"The greatest challenge is especially in Okongo and Oshikoto, and if we do not expand the existing water pipelines that can provide a constant and sufficient water supply, it won't be good. Therefore, please let's be patient as they are busy with the work. It will be worse if we do not address the situation as a matter of urgency."