An extensive investigation into a suspected food poisoning incident that affected nearly 125 learners at Maria Mwengere Senior Secondary School on August 31 has concluded, pointing to poor water quality at the hostel as a significant contributing factor, among several others. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture initiated the inquiry, forming a committee comprising officials from its head office and regional representatives to thoroughly examine the circumstances.

The investigation unearthed critical issues regarding the water supply within the hostel. Specifically, the water provided to the learners was found to possess a bitter taste and a distinct smell reminiscent of bleach. Alarmingly, the report noted that the chief hostel matron experienced dizziness after consuming this water. While NamWater's tests indicated that chlorine levels at its main plant were within normal parameters, subsequent testing of the hostel's onsite water tank revealed a high chlorine concentration of 2.2mg/L.

A notable discrepancy arose as NamWater staff were reportedly unable to account for this difference and failed to officially notify the school management to cease the use of the contaminated water. Despite these issues, learners continued to consume water supplied directly from the NamWater reservoir, which also serves the broader Kayengona community where the school is situated. This continued consumption led to more learners falling ill, prompting the police to collect a vomit sample from an affected individual for laboratory analysis, with results still pending.

During an inspection conducted in the presence of the investigating team and NamWater officials, visible discoloration was observed in the hostel's water, unequivocally confirming its unsuitability for human consumption. Following this discovery, the hostel's water tank was immediately emptied, as confirmed by an anonymous source, to prevent further exposure.

Beyond the critical water quality concerns, the investigation identified a combination of other risk factors that likely contributed to the outbreak. These included inadequate hygiene practices among kitchen staff, a lack of appropriate protective clothing during food preparation, and the non-functionality of cold storage facilities, all of which compromised food safety within the hostel.

In response to these findings, the report put forth several urgent recommendations to safeguard learner well-being. It advised the immediate replacement of the hostel's emergency water tank with two 10,000-litre tanks. Furthermore, the Kavango East Regional Education Directorate was urged to repair all damaged kitchen infrastructure and to procure food safety specialists. These specialists would be tasked with developing and implementing comprehensive quality and safety standards for meal preparation, ensuring a healthier environment for the learners at Maria Mwengere Senior Secondary School.