Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Good rains fall at last in the south

Home National Good rains fall at last in the south

Steven Klukowski

KEETMANSHOOP – Good rains poured over dry and arid plains in some parts of the //Kharas region for the past two weeks, bringing about a bit of relief for struggling farmers.

According to Hansie Esthuize, chairperson of the Karasburg Farmers Association, showers between 70-80mm were received recently in areas surrounding Konkiep near Bethanie. 
“Other significant rainfall figures include areas near the border post at Rietfontein, where 30mm has been measured, and Aranos where 7mm has been received,” he said.  

The farmer added this does, however, not warrant an improvement on the farmer’s situation yet. 
“It is unfortunate that this is only the beginning of the way to recover from the drought for these farmers,” he explained. 

He then expressed his hope for more rains to pour soon; otherwise, the showers received will serve no purpose, as grass seeds can only sprout when there are follow-up rains. Esthuize concluded farmers would be forced on their knees if sufficient rains do not come by mid-April this year.
Overjoyed for a welcomed and much-needed 66mm of rainfall last weekend, Susan Coetzee from Vastrap Guesthouse near Grunau said the first grass after such good showers will normally appear within a period of eight days.

 “Follow-up rains are now needed urgently so that these grass can produce seeds to multiply,” she explained. 
She added that it is only when this happens that one can approach the future with more courage.
According to the farmer, it is, however, still dry on farms surrounding Grunau where animals must be fed from fodder farmers have to buy. 

She further added that Grunau has received 30-45mm during the same period.  
“Although farming has become a costly exercise, we, as farmers, are still hopeful for better days to come,” Coetzee said. 

According to Richard Nashikaku from the Namibia Meteorological Services, residents can expect isolated thundershowers in the eastern parts of //Kharas on Wednesday, whilst the western parts will be partly cloudy on Thursday. Clear skies with partly cloudy conditions are, furthermore, forecasted over the weekend with no rains in the foresight.
– sklukowski@nepc.com.na