Maria David
THE government has promised to address the issue, which will soon put an end to the water demand that has been a major problem in the Oshikoto Region for years.
Swapo Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government is aware of water scarcity in the region.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks on Saturday at Omuthiya during a Swapo rally, saying that the government is working to find an alternative to ensure that the challenge of water shortage is addressed.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, those without access to clean drinking water in the region stands at 30%, while 70% of the population is connected or has access to clean drinking water.
“We really can’t give a timeline for when this is expected to be completed, but as the government, we are working around the clock to address the matter,” she said.
She added that water is life and is needed to ensure people’s good health.
Meanwhile, Director for Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Elijah Ngurare, said they are addressing the water challenge in the Oshikoto Region.
In the short term, Ngurare said they have completed drilling deep boreholes in Okankolo, Eengodi, and Nehale Lya Mpingana. He said the yield of these boreholes is good, and where it is found that water is not fit for human consumption, they have entered into a partnership with EIF to do mini-desalination.
“On water harvesting, we are due to construct about 16 earth dams in various localities of the region, and also modernization of traditional wells,” he said.
He added that this will help with livestock watering and drinking water, especially addressing issues of low pressure by procuring boosters on some pipelines.
Moreover, on long-term interventions, he said that Oshikoto will be served by two new pipeline schemes, one from Omundaungilo to Omutsegonime and one from Omutsegonime to King Kauluma.
Meanwhile, Ngurare indicated that the pipeline from Ondangwa to Omutsegonime is also being rehabilitated.
