Power outage disrupts classes at Namib Primary School
Schools face maintenance issues due to ageing infrastructure
An electrical issue which has left learners in the dark will likely take some time to resolve, the education director said.
Electrical issues at Namib Primary School in Swakopmund have led to a disruption in lessons. The learners, who start school at 07:45, have to be kept outside and in corridors until sufficient light enters the building in order for lessons to commence.
Erongo Region education director Enfriede Stephanus has defused speculation that the issue is a result of unpaid municipal bills. She said the electrical problem, which has been ongoing since the start of the second semester, is a maintenance issue.
Due to the severity and complexity of the issue, it has been reported to the works ministry, she said.
According to Stephanus, it is an intricate job that will cost over N$100 000 and requires specialised attention, which has caused a delay.
“Parents and teachers should be patient and possibly adjust their timetable in the meantime. We should work towards finding solutions for any situation and stop complaining and blaming,” Stephanus said.
The procurement process, which involves multiple administrative steps, can be slow, the education director said. “While we are treating this as a priority, government processes can delay the repair work. I will follow up with our colleagues to ensure that the issue is resolved as swiftly as possible,” she added.
‘Challenging, but manageable’
Principal Hermien Benjamin described the situation as challenging, but manageable. “We are doing everything we can with the resources available to us,” she said. She added that it is only one block affected by the electrical issue, which hosts grade one to three classes as well as a few grade six classes.
“Teachers are making significant efforts to ensure that the learners receive as much instruction as possible despite the conditions.”
The principal added that the school’s status as a national heritage site adds layers of complexity to any renovation or maintenance work. “As a heritage site, any significant changes or repairs must go through additional approvals from the municipal aesthetic committee and national heritage council,” Benjamin noted. “These processes take time, but we are working with sponsors and alumni to address some of the infrastructure issues.”
Stephanus said there are several other schools in the region facing the same electrical issues caused by ageing infrastructure.
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Erongo Region education director Enfriede Stephanus has defused speculation that the issue is a result of unpaid municipal bills. She said the electrical problem, which has been ongoing since the start of the second semester, is a maintenance issue.
Due to the severity and complexity of the issue, it has been reported to the works ministry, she said.
According to Stephanus, it is an intricate job that will cost over N$100 000 and requires specialised attention, which has caused a delay.
“Parents and teachers should be patient and possibly adjust their timetable in the meantime. We should work towards finding solutions for any situation and stop complaining and blaming,” Stephanus said.
The procurement process, which involves multiple administrative steps, can be slow, the education director said. “While we are treating this as a priority, government processes can delay the repair work. I will follow up with our colleagues to ensure that the issue is resolved as swiftly as possible,” she added.
‘Challenging, but manageable’
Principal Hermien Benjamin described the situation as challenging, but manageable. “We are doing everything we can with the resources available to us,” she said. She added that it is only one block affected by the electrical issue, which hosts grade one to three classes as well as a few grade six classes.
“Teachers are making significant efforts to ensure that the learners receive as much instruction as possible despite the conditions.”
The principal added that the school’s status as a national heritage site adds layers of complexity to any renovation or maintenance work. “As a heritage site, any significant changes or repairs must go through additional approvals from the municipal aesthetic committee and national heritage council,” Benjamin noted. “These processes take time, but we are working with sponsors and alumni to address some of the infrastructure issues.”
Stephanus said there are several other schools in the region facing the same electrical issues caused by ageing infrastructure.
[email protected]
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