KEETMANSHOOP – The Social Security Commission Development Fund (SSC-DF) recently launched a water-and-sanitation project at Uibes in the Berseba constituency to construct flushing toilets for the less fortunate.
In his keynote address, Berseba constituency councillor Jeremias Goeieman emphasised it is a basic human right to have ablution facilities and potable water, irrespective of where one finds themselves in Namibia.
“Like all other rural areas, Uibes has been excluded from this basic need for years or centuries – and according to reports, Namibia has one of the highest rates of open defecation in the world,” he said.
Goeieman further singled out risks like rape and potential human-wildlife conflicts faced by those forced to relieve themselves in open spaces during the night.
“Since we are very far from addressing this challenge, the Berseba constituency office approached the Social Security Commission Development Fund to help them fight the backlog in sanitation and water provision because the council realises that government alone will not be able to reach the targets,” he said.
The politician added that it was based on the provisions of the National Sanitation Strategy of Namibia, where regional councils are regarded as stakeholders in the fight for rural sanitation, and that the council took this upon itself to partner with the SSC-DF.
Speaking during the handover, the commission’s CEO, Milka Mungunda, said the project underscores their commitment to supporting initiatives that directly impact the well-being of communities.
“With an approved budget of N$2.5 million, of which N$999 269 has already been disbursed, this project exemplifies the transformative potential of strategic investment in water and sanitation infrastructure.
The objectives laid out include constructing pit latrines, providing solar water pumps, and reactivating water point committees, which are crucial steps towards ensuring access to clean water and improved sanitation for the residents of Berseba constituency, she said.
Employment generated by the project includes the recruitment of two project personnel and the engagement of 44 temporary workers from the local community.
“This underscores our commitment to not only infrastructure development but also to economic empowerment. By providing jobs and livelihoods, we are contributing to the social protection mandate of the Social Security Commission and fostering sustainable development within the region,” she said.
She added: “Beyond the tangible outcomes, this project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven interventions. It is through partnerships with institutions like the //Kharas Regional Council and the dedication of local stakeholders that we can truly uplift communities and create lasting change… The success of this project hinges not only on its implementation but also on the continued support and stewardship of the communities it serves. Let us commit ourselves to preserving and safeguarding these assets for future generations”.
So far, 120 new pit latrines have been constructed through the initiative, improving household sanitation across Berseba villages.
Water security has also been enhanced through the installation of eight solar water pump systems in key areas.