UUVUDHIYA - Communal farmers in the northern regions said the interruption of the water supply from NamWater that occurred in early November due to the rehabilitation of the canals resulted in many of their livestock dying.

Livestock farmers told New Era that even though the water situation has been resolved, they have incurred huge losses running into thousands of dollars due to this interruption.

Cattle owners in the four northern regions had been living without water for two weeks because of maintenance work being done on the canal between Olushandja and Oshakati, and struggled to get water for their cattle and even for people to drink, wash, and cook their food.

Meanwhile, the Oshakati Town Council has also expressed disappointment with NamWater for not using the land awarded to them last year to construct a drinking water treatment plant that aims to support the existing water supply infrastructure in Oshakati and improve water availability in the region.

According to mayor Leonard Hango, by increasing the water production capacity in Oshakati and enhancing water supply infrastructure, the project was expected to contribute significantly to addressing water scarcity and improving living conditions in the Oshana region and surrounding areas.

“A year has passed without anything on the ground, and NamWater is not informing us on what is happening, it is not right,” stressed Hango.

According to Shiinda Mwahi from Omapale in Uuvudhiya constituency, he lost five cattle due to thirst.

“We have been trying hard for the survival of our cattle, traveling 50 kilometres per day, fetching water from pans for two consecutive weeks,” said Mwahi.

Simson Shekutamba from Omapale blamed NamWater for rehabilitating the water canal during the dry season.

“They could have waited for the rainy season, not now, look what they have caused,” said Shekutamba.

Another farmer, Thomas Nepembe claims to have lost seven cattle in the pace of 12 days.

“NamWater should compensate us. This is NamWater Oshakati office’s problem. It is the local management that came up with the decision to rehabilitate the canal in a dry season,” said Nepembe.

Uuvudhiya constituency councillor Timoteus Shivute confirmed that cattle died of thirst during the water interruption, but farmers should not put much blame on NamWater as some cattle were already weak due to drought.

“Catte have been dying and still dying as we are speaking in all four northern regions due to drought. Let us accept the situation as it is, and try our best with what we can to save our livestock,’’ he urged.

Shivute indicated that this year’s drought situation is not the same as 2019 and the farmers must be grateful for what NamWater has been doing; pumping water to save their thirsty cattle.

He explained that the raw water is treated at Oshakati and then sent off to the three main directions going through the Omakango pipeline to Omakango and Omafo for the Ohangwena region. This water also goes to Ondangwa and goes to all the pipelines in Oshikoto. The water that is pumped from the southern direction to the Omapale pipeline goes to Ompundja and also to the cattle posts.

“So, if the water at Oshakati dam is affected, there is no way water will reach Oshana, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto,” he added.

According to NamWater’s chief strategy and corporate affairs officer Kadiva Hamutumwa, there are no mechanisms to compensate farmers for losses resulting from interrupted water supply. 

She said the corporation maintains its commitment to minimising water supply interruptions and is actively implementing a capital programme focused on replacing aging water supply infrastructure. 

“The primary objective of this programme is to enhance the security of water supply in the region.

We are acutely aware of the significance of promptly addressing concerns related to water crises. Rest assured, we are diligently working to resolve any interruptions and maintain the highest standards in water supply,” said Hamutumwa. 

She expressed gratitude to the public and all stakeholders for their understanding as they navigate challenges in ensuring a continuous and secure water supply.

“We remain committed to delivering bulk water to valued customers, and while our ongoing efforts strive to maintain uninterrupted service, occasional challenges do arise. It is imperative to emphasise our unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being, with a steadfast focus on prioritising the continuous availability of water,” said Hamutumwa.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na