Leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has said it is unacceptable for a school to go an entire month without water.

Venaani’s remarks in a statement on Wednesday come after reports that learners at the Ndama Junior Primary School in Rundu have been relieving themselves in the school yard for the past three weeks.

The school’s toilets are in a state of disrepair due to a lack of water and the septic tanks being full.

‘The inability to provide basic water services is a severe violation of the rights of the learners at the school and an impediment to their education,’ he stressed.

Venaani said access to clean water is not merely a basic necessity, but a fundamental human right enshrined in the constitution.

The absence of this essential resource compromises the health, safety, and well-being of learners, creating an environment where effective learning cannot occur.

‘It is wholly unacceptable that young learners are forced to bear the brunt of such a critical issue that impacts
their education and overall quality of life. Moreover, it is unacceptable for a school to go an entire month without access to water,’ he stated.

Venaani further said the situation is testament to the weak governance that has engulfed Namibia under the Swapo party’s administration.

He said the persistent failures in infrastructure and resource management not only undermine education institutions, but also reflect a disregard for the basic needs of citizens, particularly children.

He called upon all relevant authorities to intervene in the matter without delay.

The current conditions at Ndama Junior Primary School are untenable, and immediate action is required to restore access to water and ensure that the learners can return to a safe and supportive educational environment, the PDM president said.

Source: The Namibia News Agency