Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga yesterday announced that several schools in the region have been forced to close due to floodwaters coming from Angola.
He said three households at Eshoke village in the Engela constituency and Onamhinda at Oshikongo need to be relocated.
Although the water is rising slowly, there was a significant risk that these homes would be submerged by today.
Ndeitunga visited the flood-affected areas yesterday morning to assess the situation, with the aim of arranging a prompt solution.
He identified the schools that had to close as Oshingunguma Primary School, Onghala Primary School, Peumba Combined School, Bartholomeus Combined School, and Udjombala Secondary School.
“So far, my team and I have visited Eshoke village, where we observed that two households located in flood-prone areas are filling with water.
“Today, we must set up camp tents on higher ground at Onamhinda for the relocation of affected households. Water is gradually coming from Angola, and if we do not relocate the families today, they will be under water by tomorrow,” Ndeitunga warned.
The governor said some schools have become inaccessible, prompting children to stay home, as attempting to cross the water could be dangerous, especially for younger pupils.
“We need a permanent solution to this recurring issue,” Ndeitunga said.
Engela constituency councillor Elikana Haighumbi says the area has been experiencing heavy rainfall over the past weeks, compounded by rainfall in neighbouring Angola, which often leads to flooding in the region.
“We are currently assessing the situation, visiting villages, and determining how to provide assistance to those affected,” Haighumbi says.
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