Northern Namibia – Abraham Nehemia, the CEO of NamWater, has attributed the current water scarcity in Northern Namibia to the ongoing overhaul of the water system stretching from Calueque to the Oshakati canal, including treatment plants and pipelines. In an interview with Nampa, Nehemia explained that the existing water infrastructure, constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, is no longer sufficient for the region’s growing population. NamWater’s strategy involves building larger systems to meet the demand for the next 30 to 40 years, as current demand exceeds supply, leading to water rationing.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), The water is transported in its raw form from Calueque to Oshakati for treatment, and then distributed to Ondangwa, Omuthiya, and surrounding areas. Some villages in the Oshikoto Region have been without water for approximately a month. However, Nehemia assured that the situation is improving, with the recovery of raw water supply to Oshakati and reservoirs like those at Oshali, Okatope, and Omuthya now above 50 percent capacity. The completion of the revamping process is expected to ensure 24-hour water availability for everyone.