Lack of roads stands in the way of development in Omulonga
Teacher accommodation also a challenge
The local councillor says the only main road in the area, between Ondobe and Oshigambo, is in poor condition, particularly during the rainy season.
The lack of proper roads remains a major obstacle to development in the Omulonga constituency, according to councillor Erickson Ndawanifa. In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli, Ndawanifa highlighted that the poor condition of existing roads is a significant challenge for motorists and affects various aspects of daily life, including education.
The councillor revealed that the constituency, which has over 25 schools, faces severe difficulties due to the absence of teacher accommodation. As a result, most teachers are forced to hitchhike nearly 100 kilometres every day on badly maintained roads. “The road network is a problem, a serious problem in Omulonga,” said Ndawanifa. He explained that teachers often have to travel from nearby towns such as Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Ongha, Helao Nafidi, and Eenhana due to the lack of housing at the schools.
Ndawanifa pointed out that the only main road, the Ondobe–Oshigambo road, is in poor condition, particularly during the rainy season. He described how the road's gravel surface has been worn out, making it slippery and muddy, and practically unusable for small cars. “It’s very difficult for people to make use of this road because those who are having these small cars like the sedans, they cannot drive on that road,” he said. According to him, it is not uncommon to see vehicles stuck in the mud, causing further delays and inconveniences for residents.
In addition to the road infrastructure issues, the lack of teacher housing is another pressing problem. Ndawanifa urged the Ministry of Education to build houses for teachers in the constituency to reduce the need for them to travel long distances. “Seriously, it’s a challenge, the lack of accommodations at the schools. It’s only a few schools that have got accommodations. Many schools do not have,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, the councillor mentioned that some teachers have resorted to building shacks near schools, but even this solution is problematic due to poor network connectivity. The lack of internet access makes it difficult for teachers, nurses, and other officials to live and work effectively in the area, forcing them to travel back to nearby towns for essential services.
Ndawanifa disclosed that proposals have been submitted to the relevant ministries and the Roads Authority to address these challenges, but so far, no budget allocation has been made. He continues to call for urgent intervention to improve the road network and provide adequate housing for teachers, which he believes will significantly enhance living conditions and promote development in the Omulonga constituency.
The councillor revealed that the constituency, which has over 25 schools, faces severe difficulties due to the absence of teacher accommodation. As a result, most teachers are forced to hitchhike nearly 100 kilometres every day on badly maintained roads. “The road network is a problem, a serious problem in Omulonga,” said Ndawanifa. He explained that teachers often have to travel from nearby towns such as Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Ongha, Helao Nafidi, and Eenhana due to the lack of housing at the schools.
Ndawanifa pointed out that the only main road, the Ondobe–Oshigambo road, is in poor condition, particularly during the rainy season. He described how the road's gravel surface has been worn out, making it slippery and muddy, and practically unusable for small cars. “It’s very difficult for people to make use of this road because those who are having these small cars like the sedans, they cannot drive on that road,” he said. According to him, it is not uncommon to see vehicles stuck in the mud, causing further delays and inconveniences for residents.
In addition to the road infrastructure issues, the lack of teacher housing is another pressing problem. Ndawanifa urged the Ministry of Education to build houses for teachers in the constituency to reduce the need for them to travel long distances. “Seriously, it’s a challenge, the lack of accommodations at the schools. It’s only a few schools that have got accommodations. Many schools do not have,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, the councillor mentioned that some teachers have resorted to building shacks near schools, but even this solution is problematic due to poor network connectivity. The lack of internet access makes it difficult for teachers, nurses, and other officials to live and work effectively in the area, forcing them to travel back to nearby towns for essential services.
Ndawanifa disclosed that proposals have been submitted to the relevant ministries and the Roads Authority to address these challenges, but so far, no budget allocation has been made. He continues to call for urgent intervention to improve the road network and provide adequate housing for teachers, which he believes will significantly enhance living conditions and promote development in the Omulonga constituency.
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