Maria David

OTJEKUA – Located about 110km in the most western part of the Omusati region is a small Otjekua village community, where water shortage has been an everyday challenge, with the nearest borehole being some 5km away.

The effects of drought have not only left Namibians in need of food but also critical need of water for both their own use and animals.

Previously, community members used to travel long hours to fetch water. But on Friday, joy was permeating their faces when the tap for a newly installed borehole was opened.

The borehole was constructed by Nampower as part of the Kunene sub-station project for the supply of water for basic use.

What was moving to see was how community members rushed to the tap with their empty buckets and a variety of other containers to fetch water.

Maria Maruru, who could not contain her happiness, said the borehole installation was long overdue.

She used to travel about two 2km every day to fetch water for her household use.

“Water scarcity is real – and sometimes we go days without water to drink if there is nobody to help fetch water,” Maruru said.

She stressed that the new borehole is a welcome relief to the community at large and will serve generations to come.

Acting chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority Malakia Shoombe said they, as a traditional authority, are faced with the challenge of water scarcity, and more boreholes are needed to address the
matter.

Hence, they are always ready to make land available for the development of the community.

“There is the borehole for you and water for use,” he noted.

He urged the community to take care of the property so that the problem of water shortage is eliminated.

Nampower boss Kahenge Haulofu said the borehole will not only benefit the community of Otjekua but also the surrounding areas for their personal use and their cattle.

“Nampower will be utilising the borehole, but it has been handed over to the community for their benefit, and it is open for all,” he stated.

The maintenance of the infrastructure will always be done by Nampower.

Director for Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Elijah Ngurare admitted that some villages in Omusati have been experiencing water challenges.

However, many boreholes have been drilled and installed to address the challenge.

“There are also multimillion-dollar water supply pipelines in Omusati, such as the Ruacana South Water Supply Scheme and the Iitapa Okeholongo Water Supply Scheme Phase 2,” he said.

An award for a 14km pipeline at Onamatanga is being finalised, Ngurare added. - Nampa