Auleria Wakudumo
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, has officially commissioned the Onamatanga water supply scheme.
This is a N$15 million government-funded project designed to provide clean, sustainable water to more than 250 households in the Onamatanga area in the Omusati region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the Onamatanga community centre on Friday, the minister said the project marks a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to potable water, especially in rural communities that have long depended on saline or unreliable water sources.
“For too long, the people of Onamatanga relied on saline water and irregular water deliveries by tanker from Outapi. This project provides a permanent and sustainable solution to ensure the community has access to safe drinking water,” the minister said.
The newly commissioned water supply scheme is powered by a solar energy system and supported by a 150-metre-deep borehole with a yield of five cubic metres per hour. It also includes a backup generator, an elevated water reservoir, and a water truck filling point for emergencies.
According to the minister, the facility will not only benefit residents but also serve the local school, clinic and police station, ensuring that essential services operate under better conditions.
Zaamwani stressed the importance of protecting public infrastructure from vandalism, urging community members to take ownership of the project to guarantee its longevity.
“When we allow vandalism, we set back our own progress. True development begins where communities take ownership and safeguard opportunities for future generations,” she said.
She further noted that Namibia continues to face water scarcity challenges caused by recurrent droughts, declining groundwater levels, and growing demand from households, agriculture and industry. To address these challenges, the government, through the Office of the Prime Minister and NamWater, has launched a comprehensive response strategy with immediate, medium-, and long-term measures to improve water access across the country. “The teams from our ministry and NamWater have already begun work in various regions, including Oshikoto, to implement water response measures that will ensure sustainable access to water,” Zaamwani added.
She highlighted that the scheme creates opportunities for the community to start backyard gardens and small-scale farming, contributing to food security and rural development, key goals under the Swapo party manifesto and the government’s rural development agenda.
Meanwhile, Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo expressed sincere appreciation to the people of Onamatanga for their patience while waiting government’s delivery on its promise to supply water to rural communities.
He commended the residents for their cooperation and resilience, urging them to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure.
He further stated that this achievement stands as a testament to the collective dedication of government, partners and the community. It is an investment that uplifts current and future generations, supporting health, education, food security, and socio-economic development, he said.