Olutsiidhi village community members in the Omusati Region held a demonstration over poor infrastructure at Olutsiidhi Primary School.

They are demanding urgent repair of a classroom block damaged by wind and rain in April this year and provision of ablution facilities.

According to parents, the school has over 100 learners and has operated for over 40 years without toilets.

The petition read by community representative Ananias Iileka stated that learners use bushes while teachers use a dilapidated makeshift structure, with roofless classrooms exposing children to rain, heat, and safety hazards, including snakes.

“The directorate should carry out emergency renovation on the damaged classroom block before the next rainy season starts, as tents cannot protect our children and teachers from the rain.”

Iileka said the situation compromises learners' dignity and health.

“The school should be provided with adequate ablution facilities to meet health and protect our children's dignity like any other school in Namibia.”

The community warned that should authorities fail to meet their demands, they will withdraw their children and request the school to close until it is safe and fit for learning in a conducive environment.

The petition was received by the Chief Education Officer for Planning and Development, Matheus Auwa.