Shaanika calls on Education Ministry to do away with septic tanks

Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) Secretary General Loide Shaanika has called on the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture to do away with the construction of septic tanks at schools. Shaanika made the statement when she visited three schools in Rundu on Wednesday, that are challenged with overflowing septic tanks or tanks that are inadequate for the number of learners at these schools. Shaanika's first stop with her delegation was at the Ndama Junior Primary School where full septic tanks have forced learners to relieve themselves around the school yard for the past three weeks. She also visited Kaisosi Combined School where the septic tanks are full and only two out of three toilets were functional for 764 learners. At Sarusungu Combined School, the septic tanks were clogged and leaking into an area with taps used by learners for drinking water. 'Septic tanks are not a solution for these schools anymore as now they also have to redirect money for these tanks to be emptied. We should do away wi th septic tanks,' Shaanika said. She added that Nantu is going to give final recommendations to the office of the Executive Director in the Ministry of Education in order to find permanent solutions to schools using septic tanks. The principal of Kaisosi Combined School, Bertha Kambinda said the school lacks funds for essentials like toner and paper as all available resources are being used to empty septic tanks. 'We do not know how our learners are going to write exams,' she emphasised. On her part, Director of Education in the Kavango East Region, Christine Shilima said the directorate will take up the issue of septic tanks with the Rundu Town Council to see how best the problem can be resolved. Source: The Namibia News Agency