The Erongo Governor has demanded immediate answers from education officials and councillors after Grade 4 and 5 learners at Higher Hope Primary School in Walvis Bay were sent home.
The school principal decided to close the school due to water connection issues.
Disgruntled parents complained to the media and questioned how long their children would stay at home after the long school holiday.
Their concerns quickly escalated to a visit by the Erongo Governor, Nathalia |Goagoses.
"Why are the principals appointed? What is happening here, director? This is unacceptable. This is really unacceptable. As a governor, also an educationalist, this cannot be accepted. This is business unusual. I want answers now, and if there are issues, I will solve them right here."
The governor summoned education officials, the school leadership and municipal authorities to the site, insisting that learners should not be deprived of their right to education.
At the centre of the problem is a lack of basic services – particularly water – and delays in connecting the school to a water meter.
Councillor for the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency, Ruben Shikongo, explained that, "Apparently, there is no plan. The municipality asked for the plan for the school. Then I got the plan I received yesterday afternoon. But I think that the matter today can be solved. If that was an outstanding part of the plan, and I got the plan, then I think today the water will be connected."
Regional Education Director Erenfriede Stephanus said that she has been working on getting the water supply reconnected. "Last week, they requested my ID so that the water connection could be addressed. Yesterday I also saw the clip on Facebook, and I called my colleague, the inspector. What is going on? And then I was informed that I was supposed to submit the plans that the councillor is referring to so that this process could be done. So I think that my administrators in the office failed us because this thing has come a long way, and whatever was requested was submitted."
Walvis Bay Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga assured the governor of their commitment to address the issue. "I just want to emphasise, colleagues, that if there are any technical issues within municipalities, please accelerate them so that I may know by today. If there is anything that needs assistance from us, let's facilitate it today."
Determined to end the stalemate, the governor called for immediate action.
"Let's make sure the water is connected. I will take full responsibility if there are fees involved or if there are any technical difficulties involved. So that the kids come back tomorrow, Monday."
The governor instructed school management to inform parents without delay, saying further disruptions would not be tolerated.