Nakamboma Secondary School Teachers Grapple with Housing Shortages Amid Growing Concerns
Teachers at Nakamboma Secondary School in Namwala District are currently facing significant accommodation challenges, with many struggling to find adequate housing close to their workplace. This shortage is raising serious concerns about the impact on teaching quality and overall staff wellbeing.
Edith Hantebele, Chairperson of the local Ward Development Committee, spoke to Byta FM News, highlighting the urgent need for intervention from government and other stakeholders to resolve the housing deficit.
“The lack of proper staff houses is making it difficult for teachers to fully focus on their work. Some have resorted to squatting in unfinished shops near the school with their families, which is an unacceptable and unsafe situation,” she explained.
Hantebele expressed particular worry about the approaching rainy season, fearing that the precarious living conditions could worsen, posing risks to health and safety for both teachers and their dependents.
Local Authorities Pledge Support
Responding to the concerns, Namwala Town Council Chairperson Abel Moonga reassured the community of the council’s dedication to improving teacher accommodation throughout the district. He revealed that efforts are underway to leverage funding from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct more staff houses and improve existing facilities.
“We recognize that teachers are central to our community’s future, and providing decent housing is a priority,” said Moonga. “The council is actively working with partners to ensure teachers have a safe and comfortable place to live.”
Call for Private Sector Involvement
Moonga also encouraged the local business community to view the housing shortage as an opportunity for investment. He urged entrepreneurs and property developers to consider building rental units to meet the growing demand, which would not only provide housing solutions but also stimulate the local economy.
“There is a clear need for more rental properties in the area. By investing in housing, businesspeople can help solve this crisis while creating profitable ventures,” Moonga added.
The Broader Impact
The accommodation challenges at Nakamboma Secondary School are not isolated but reflect a wider trend affecting schools in rural and semi-urban areas across Zambia. Teacher retention, morale, and performance often suffer when staff face inadequate living conditions, directly impacting students’ learning experiences.
As the school year progresses, many are hoping that the combined efforts of the community, local government, and private sector will lead to timely solutions that provide teachers with dignified housing, allowing them to concentrate fully on nurturing the next generation.
