Maria David
A total of 27 water cylinders have been reported stolen in the Ohangwena Region by an unknown thief, hindering the delivery of essential services to the community.
Ohangwena Regional Governor, Sebastian Ndeitunga, revealed this during the handover of a donation by Swakop Uranium at Lazarus Haufiku Combined School in Shambada village on Friday.
According to Ndeitunga, 257 out of 263 public schools in the region are connected to a water source, either through a pipeline or a nearby community.
“However, we need to address the issue of reliability, as some schools experience water shortages due to borehole breakdowns and the theft of water cylinders,” he said.
He added that this trend must stop, as it deprives people of access to water in the region. He warned buyers of the stolen cylinders that the law will catch up with them, and such actions cannot be tolerated.
Moreover, Ndeitunga indicated that over 70% of schools in Ohangwena are connected to a reliable water source, primarily through the pipeline.
Ndeitunga also revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has allocated an estimated N$20 million to electrify the remaining schools without electricity in the region for the 2024/25 financial year.
“It is important to note that 236 schools are connected to the electricity grid, leaving 27 schools without this essential resource,” he said.
In this regard, Ndeitunga stated that consultants have completed their surveys, and designs are underway for work to commence. The project is expected to be completed by March 2025. Additionally, the government plans to electrify all unelectrified schools within the next two years.
He emphasised that while progress is being made, with five schools expected to be connected soon, they also recognise the importance of NamPower’s project in the region in bringing electricity to these underserved areas.
