Oshikoto: Oshikoto Regional Governor, Sacky Kathindi, has unveiled an initiative aimed at transforming the region's saline underground water into a resource for aquaculture development and improved food security.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kathindi said reverse osmosis and mini-desalination technology will be used to desalinate groundwater for drinking and irrigation, while the brine by-product will be used for fish farming. The region has secured N.dollars 6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund to support the project, with priority given to water-stressed constituencies such as Nehale Lya Mpingana, Eengodi, Omuntele, and Okankolo.

Kathindi emphasized that Oshikoto has always faced challenges with abundant but highly saline groundwater. By turning this challenge into an economic opportunity through aquaculture, the project aims to diversify livelihoods. About 80 per cent of the region's population depends on agriculture, mainly mahangu cultivation and livestock farming. The introduction of fish farming is expected to serve as a sustainable enterprise.

Communities will receive training in brine-based fish production for every mini-desalination plant installed. Special focus will be given to the Omuntele Constituency, where elephants frequently damage water points. Plans include drilling a dedicated borehole and establishing a separate wildlife watering point to reduce human-wildlife conflict while supporting the aquaculture programme.

The initiative will also include the inspection and rehabilitation of existing boreholes, as well as the installation of mini-desalination units with reverse osmosis systems. Kathindi expressed optimism that if all plans are implemented, Oshikoto will have enough water in a short period, possibly before the end of the year. The integrated model aims to position Oshikoto as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture in Namibia by turning a longstanding environmental challenge into a productive resource.