Water shortage protest forces intervention at Orumana Combined School
Learners at Orumana Combined School in the Epupa Circuit have received temporary relief after NamWater, through the Ministry of Education, delivered water to the school following reports of a prolonged water shortage that led to a learner protest.
The intervention comes after approximately 914 learners boycotted classes last Tuesday, demanding urgent action over the lack of water and non functional sanitation facilities at the school.
Although the water tanks have now been filled, the school’s broader challenges remain unresolved. The hostel and school toilets still have no running water, while learners continue to eat their meals while standing due to a shortage of chairs in the dining hall a situation that has reportedly continued for the past five years.
The protest highlighted growing frustrations among learners over conditions they say affect their daily lives and learning environment. Kunene Regional Director of Education Sophia Fredrick said the water challenges at the school have been receiving attention since she assumed office in 2024.
According to Fredrick, efforts had already been made to address the problem, including replacing the submersible pump. However, the replacement later failed after it was found not to meet the required specifications. She said the pump has since been repaired, while the Directorate of Education and the Ministry of Works are continuing with interventions to find a lasting solution.
The latest delivery of water provides short term relief, but the school community is still awaiting a permanent resolution to its water supply and infrastructure challenges.
