Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, said that Namibia is facing serious water shortages driven by recurring droughts, declining groundwater levels, and growing demand from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors.
Speaking on the occasion of the commissioning of the Onamatanga Water Supply Scheme in the Omusati Region on Friday, Zaamwani said that many rural communities continue to experience intermittent water supply disruptions, while urban centres are also showing increasing signs of strain on available resources.
She said that many communities, especially in Omusati, Kunene, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango East, Kavango West and Omaheke regions, have been adversely affected. To address those challenges, Zaamwani said that her ministry — with oversight from the Office of the Prime Minister — has decided to roll out a comprehensive response to provide sustainable and durable solutions to water challenges that negatively affect communities countrywide, especially in rural areas.
PICTURED: Minister Inge Zaamwani and Omusati Governor Immanuel Shikongo during the inauguration of the Onamatanga Water Supply Scheme. Photos: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform
The response strategy focuses on immediate, medium- and long-term action plans for sustainable and durable solutions.
Zaamwani pointed out that prior to the development of the Onamatanga Water Supply Pipeline, the community faced acute water shortages and, where water was available, it was salty. Water for domestic use was supplied through a water tanker from Outapi by the Rural Water Supply Directorate, which provided short-term relief to the community but was not sustainable.
The government invested N$15 million into the Onamatanga water provision scheme, which the minister described as crucial and essential.
Said Zaamwani: “This project was initiated as a long-term response, but also an urgent and necessary solution to secure access to potable water on a permanent basis for the well-being and sustainable livelihoods of the Onamatanga community.”
The Onamatanga water supply pipeline is supplied by a 150-metre-deep borehole which yields about five cubic metres of water per hour and is powered by a solar power system supported by a back-up generator which kicks in during the evenings or cloudy days when solar power is unavailable.
The borehole is further complemented by an elevated water reservoir that has additional concrete at the source and includes a water truck filling facility that can be used to distribute water during emergencies.
Therefore, said the minister, the Onamatanga water supply scheme is a long-lasting solution for potable water for over 380 people and their livestock.
The scheme will also serve the local school, clinic and police station.
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