Auleria Wakudumo
Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa says the region plans to install desalination plants at at least 10 boreholes to address saline water challenges affecting communities.
Although Ohangwena is one of the country’s regions with significant underground water resources, it has for decades struggled with high salinity levels.
Hamutuwa said efforts to treat saline water are underway as government intensifies interventions to improve water quality in the region.
“The initiative forms part of broader interventions aimed at improving water security and ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water across the region,” she said.
Hamutumwa said a contractor was appointed in April by NamPower, with implementation expected within the next four months.
Several boreholes drilled by government have remained unused because of excessive salinity, rendering the water unfit for human consumption.
The installation of small-scale desalination plants is expected to unlock these water sources and provide relief to affected communities in the Ohangwena region.
Hamutumwa further said plans are underway to appoint a design consultant for the Omundaungilo–Omutsegwonime bulk pipeline and treatment works. Canal extensions towards the eastern parts of the region are also under consideration to improve water distribution, particularly in border areas.
The region aims to ensure all residents have access to clean and safe water as part of ongoing efforts to improve living conditions and public health.
In Okongo constituency, one of the region’s most remote areas, access to clean water has already reached about 80%.
Okongo constituency councillor Efraim Shipindo told New Era that most households in the constituency now have access to clean water.
Hamutumwa also highlighted progress in education, saying seven new secondary schools have been established to expand access to learning.
However, she said more classrooms are still needed to accommodate the growing number of learners and improve teaching conditions.
Construction of a secondary school at Ongula ya Netanga in Omulonga constituency is set to resume after the site was handed over to contractors. A vision school has also been budgeted for in the Epembe constituency as part of efforts to strengthen education infrastructure.
On road development, Hamutumwa said several projects are either underway or completed. Construction of the Ondobe–Eenhana road has started, while work on the Oushake–Okankolo road is expected to begin this month to improve connectivity between Epembe and Okankolo constituencies. The Omulondo–Oshuuli gravel road has already been commissioned.
To address flood-related access challenges, the Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with regional leadership, recently installed floating bridges across oshanas leading to Shingunguma Primary School in Ongenga constituency.
Other priority road projects include the Onepandaulo–Ondjele route, the Oshiti–Okongo road to King Kauluma Palace, and the Odibo–Indobe–Oshigambo corridor, which will serve as a strategic link to Okanghudi.
She added that the Ekoka agricultural project has commenced, with fencing completed and funding secured for a feasibility study.
Additional interventions include upgrades to water systems and the expansion of water-harvesting initiatives to support communities in drought-prone areas.
Urban development is also gaining momentum, with the Ongha settlement earmarked for the provision of basic municipal services such as water, sanitation and roads.
“While challenges persist, particularly in procurement and infrastructure capacity, the region remains committed to inclusive development and improved service delivery,” she said.
–awakudumo@nepc.com.na