Located about 110km in the westmost part of the Omusati Region, is a small community in the Otjekua village where water shortage had been an everyday challenge, with the nearest borehole being some 5km away.

However today, the water scarcity which has for too long been a serious challenge, has become a thing of the past.

The effects of drought have not only left Namibians in need of food, but also in critical need of water for both their own use and their animals.

Previously, the community members used to travel long hours to fetch water, but on Friday, the joy was seen on the faces of the community members when the tap for a newly installed borehole was opened.

The borehole was constructed by NamPower as part of the Kunene Substation project, for the supply of water for basic use.

What was moving to see was how community members rushed to the tap with their empty buckets and a variety of other containers to fetch water.

Maria Maruru, who could not contain her joy, said that the borehole installatio
n was long overdue.

According to Maruru, she used to travel about 2km every day to fetch water for her household use.

‘Water scarcity is real and sometimes we go days without water to drink if there is nobody to help fetch water,’ she said.

Maruru stressed that the new borehole is a welcome relief to the community at large, and will serve the generations to come.

Acting Chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, Malakia Shoombe said that as a traditional authority they are faced with the challenge of water scarcity and more boreholes are needed to address the matter.

Hence, he said that as a traditional authority they are always ready to make land available for the development of the community.

‘There is the borehole for you, and water for use,’ he said.

He urged the community to take care of the property so the problem of water shortage is eliminated.

NamPower Executive Director Kahenge Haulofu, said the borehole will not only benefit the community of Otjekua, but also the surrounding area, for
their use and their cattle.

‘NamPower will be utilising the borehole, but it has been handed over to the community for their benefit and is open for all,’ he said.

He added that the maintenance of the infrastructure will be done by NamPower at all times.

Director for Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Elijah Ngurare, admitted that some villages in Omusati have been experiencing water challenges.

However, Ngurare stated that also many boreholes have been drilled and installed to address the challenge.

‘There are also multimillion water supply pipelines in Omusati such as Ruacana South Water Supply Scheme and Iitapa Okeholongo Water Supply Scheme Phase 2,’ he said.

He added that an award for a 14km pipeline at Onamatanga is being finalised.

Source: Namibia Press Agency