WORKING ON IT: The Omusati Region’s water woes are being addressed.PHOTO: FILE
WORKING ON IT: The Omusati Region’s water woes are being addressed.PHOTO: FILE

Omusati tackles water woes

Millions invested in infrastructure
During his State of the Region Address last week, Endjala announced that a number of projects have been completed in the region.
Kenya Kambowe
Omusati governor Erginus Endjala says the government has made significant strides to address the lack of potable water in the region.

He made the remarks during his State of the Region Address (SORA) last week, during which he announced that a number of projects have been completed in an effort to address the water crisis the region is faced with, especially in rural areas.

Some communities in Omusati go days without water, which affects both humans and their livestock. However, according to Endjala, positive strides have been made.

“Water is life. The Omusati Region is faced with challenges of access to potable water, especially by rural communities. In this regard, the government - through the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform - has invested an amount of N$9.4 million in drilling boreholes at Olwaadhiya, Ombwata, Ombalakadhila, Okeenene and Onandjamba in Okahao, as well as Okanambundona and Okomakwara in the Ruacana constituency,” he said.

He also highlighted the installation of boreholes at Omanyanganyanga, Otjorute and Onamwege 4 in Ruacana, Onamukuku in Tsandi and Ethitu West in the Okahao constituency in addition to the rehabilitation of 13 boreholes, the construction of three short water pipelines and the upgrading of water points across the region as notable projects.

Endjala said government is investing a further N$13 million in the drilling of two boreholes and the construction of a 14-kilometre pipeline to supply water to Onamatanga and the surrounding areas.

“So far, the construction and the laying of pipelines as well as the drilling of one borehole at Onamatanga is completed. The project has created 21 temporary jobs,” the governor said.



Significant contribution

Endjala also revealed that the Social Security Commission Development Fund has contributed significantly to the development of water infrastructure in the region by funding the Oshigongi Shomeya project in the Otamanzi constituency.

“The project comprises the construction and laying of water pipelines covering seven kilometres and support for the establishment of a community project, both valued at N$1 million. The project has created a total of 65 temporary jobs,” he said.

Despite the efforts made, the water crisis in Omusati remains a challenge, with a number of people having lost their lives after seeking water in wells.

Eight years ago, Namibian Sun reported that a six-year-old boy died after falling seven metres down a well at Amarika.

Community members suspected that he drowned while trying to collect water from the well – situated just five metres from a non-functioning desalination plant donated by the German government.



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Namibian Sun 2024-11-07

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