Severe flooding in the Zambezi region has forced the closure of three schools.

According to Alex Sikume, the region’s education director, a total of 11 schools have been affected by rising waters, with three described as severely impacted.

Sikume said the closures were necessary to safeguard learners and staff.

“The water has moved very close to the school. In some cases it has flooded teachers’ houses, the classrooms. There is water all over. That’s why we have addressed it by closing the schools. We cannot allow the learners to continue due to the risks,” he said.

The three schools, Muzi Combined School, Mpukano Primary School and Nankuntwe Combined School, will undergo temporary relocation measures.

Sikume clarified that only these schools are being relocated, while the others remain operational for the time being.

Education authorities are coordinating temporary arrangements to ensure learners can continue their studies while infrastructure improvements are underway.

While flooding in the region is a natural occurrence, Sikume said the situation highlights the need for stronger infrastructure.

"On an annual basis, they get flooded. Government is working on a programme to ensure that the ground around those schools is up-to-date. That even when the floods occur, it doesn’t affect teaching and learning,” he explained.

The initiative to bolster school infrastructure against frequent floods is currently in the procurement phase and aims to protect those most at risk.

Parents and teachers in the region have expressed concern over the safety of learners and the disruption of education due to rising waters.

With government’s planned infrastructure upgrades, officials hope that schools will remain operational even during severe flooding, safeguarding learners and staff from the recurring effects of seasonal floods.