OUTAPI – Omusati governor Erginus Endjala stated that the region faces challenges in accessing potable water, particularly in rural communities.

During his State of the Region Address (Sora) last Wednesday, covering the financial year 2023/24, Endjala said they are working to address the issue.

He said government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, has invested N$9.4 million in drilling boreholes.

The boreholes will be drilled at Olwadhiya (Onesi constituency), Ombwata (Tsandi constituency), Ombalakadhila, Okeenene, and Onandjamba (dry) in Okahao, Okanambundona, and Okomakwara in Ruacana constituency; and the installation of boreholes at Omanyanganyanga, Otjorute, and Onamwege 4, Onamukuku in Tsandi, and Ethitu West (King Post) in Okahao constituency.

“We are also busy with the rehabilitation of 13 boreholes, construction of three short water pipelines, and upgrading water points across the region,” he said.

Additionally, Endjala noted that the government is investing a further N$13 million in drilling two boreholes and constructing a 14-kilometre water pipeline to supply water to the community of Onamatanga and the surrounding areas.

He also mentioned that the construction and laying of water pipelines over 14 kilometres, as well as the drilling of one borehole at Onamatanga, have been completed.

The project has created 21 temporary jobs.

Endjala further indicated that the Social Security Commission Development Fund has significantly contributed to water infrastructure development in the region, by funding a water infrastructure project called the Oshigongi Shomeya Project in the Otamanzi constituency.

“The project involves the construction and laying of water pipelines over a distance of seven kilometres and support for establishing a community project, both valued at N$1 million,” he added.

He noted that the project has created 65 temporary jobs.

-Nampa