Africa-Press – Namibia. THE inadequate performance of the 2022/23 rainy season has jeopardised water availability in several regions of the country, resulting in significant water scarcities for both people and animals in some areas.
This issue was highlighted in the latest Crop Prospects, Food Security, and Drought Situation Report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform. This report evaluated the country’s crop and household food security status from 8 May to 6 June 2023. As per the report, the country’s overall water supply situation is of major concern across many areas, as most water catchment zones have already dried up due to insufficient water inflow.
The report highlighted the Erongo, Omaheke, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto regions as some of the areas where water supply is compromised.
According to the report, Erongo Region’s Utuseb, Omatjete, Otjimbingwe, Spitzkope, and Uis are faced with significant water challenges. The report attributed this bleak water supply situation to broken boreholes and inadequate water provision caused by below-average rainfall. Similarly, the report pointed out that the Omaheke Region is grappling with severe water shortages as well. Again, the report indicates, this stems from malfunctioning boreholes and inadequate rainfall. Notable affected areas within this region include Eiseb, Talismanus, Otjinene, and Epukiro.
In the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto regions, the water supply situation ranges from fair to poor. The report noted that the floodwaters that were present in these regions in January have completely dried up. The report added that although certain areas have access to piped water and boreholes as alternative sources, most earth dams are either completely dry or possess minimal water that won’t suffice until the next rainy season.
“Constituencies such as Eengodi in Oshikoto Region are faced with a major water shortage because of the low water pressure in the pipeline, and communities can go days and weeks with no clean water,” the report reads.
In the southern parts of the country, the Hardap and //Kharas Regions are experiencing relatively better water availability with fair conditions. However, the report pointed out that places like Snyfontein and Warmland in the //Kharas Region have salty water that is unfit for consumption by livestock and humans.
“As such, some villages are being served with water tankers, but the main concern is that areas such as Karasburg East Constituency can go for weeks without water as there is only one water tanker that is serving the entire region,” the report added.
Given these circumstances, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform recommended that the government continues its efforts in constructing, rehabilitating, and excavating earth dams and boreholes in regions facing water scarcities.
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