The Swakopmund Circuit Inspector, Chris Eixab, says although most learners have been placed in schools, placement challenges persist in Grades 1 and 8 due to the growing number of families relocating to the coastal town.

Swakopmund schools have been under pressure following a sharp increase in enrolments.

Eixab added that a new temporary establishment at Tamariskia will accommodate Grades 1 to 3 while the circuit awaits teacher appointments.

Another challenge he revealed is at the secondary level.

"It appears that we have more Grade 7 learners in comparison to Grade 8, so the secondary schools are having difficulties in absorbing all the Grade 7 learners. What I have to also say is that the schools are full; they are overcrowded, but that does not stop us from carrying out our mandate, ensuring that all Namibian children are having access to education. And we are, by all means, working together with the principals to cater to learners that did not get places."

Eixab says approximately 80 Grade 8 learners are still awaiting placement.

Coastal High School has agreed to open two additional pre-vocational Grade 8 classes to help absorb the backlog.

Looking ahead, the government has identified land for the construction of both a new primary and a new secondary school in the circuit. Construction of the primary school is expected to begin during this financial year.