Matende: Matende Village residents Maria Chihinga (26) and Elizabeth Mulekesa (32), who cast their votes at Mupini Primary School on Wednesday, said that they hope the incoming councillor will prioritise improving water infrastructure in their area. Matende village is situated 20 kilometres west of Rundu in the Kapako Constituency of the Kavango West Region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the women, while emphasising the importance of participating in elections, warned that elected leaders must bring essential services closer to the community, or residents may stop voting in the future. They shared how the community has been struggling to access clean water since the local water tap has been broken for nearly two months.

As a result, residents currently rely on a shared pond, used for both drinking and sanitation, and an unreliable man-made well, making safe water scarce. To illustrate the situation, Chihinga and Mulekesa guided the reporter to the pond. On arrival, cattle were seen drinking from the water, which contained visible cattle faeces, baby diapers, and other debris. Community members, particularly children, were collecting water in small, unused bottles to drink.

Chihinga explained that the Okavango River is nearly five kilometres away, making it more convenient for residents to use the contaminated pond or well despite the risks. Mulekesa added that the well poses a risk for children, who might slip and fall. She also noted that the well is privately owned, requiring residents to obtain permission from the owner before using it.

The two women stressed the urgent need for improved water infrastructure to ensure the health and safety of their community.