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Home / Know your civil servant - Preserving water resources is our motto
Know your civil servant - Preserving water resources is our motto
2023-08-18Correspondent Gettie ShiindaGettie Shiinda is a passionate hydrogeologist and public servant in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.With nine years of experience in the management of water resources, she is currently responsible for investigation and research as well as ensuring the sustainable utilisation and management of groundwater resources, addressing challenges related to water availability, quality and environmental impact. Designing research studies and field investigations to address specific hydrogeological questions are also some of her roles. Shiinda is also part of the team that reviews environmental impact assessments for water projects, and she assesses potential effects on groundwater resources and henceforth recommends appropriate mitigation measures.She serves as the national hydrogeologist on the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System, an aquifer that is shared between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Joining Shiinda started working for the government in 2013. Previously, she worked as an intern at the Ministry of Mines and Energy as well as the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (German agency), where she assisted in the development and implementation of the national groundwater information system, GROWAS II, to enhance and support management procedures and decision processes. She also assisted in the establishment of an improved monitoring system for the Ohangwena Groundwater System, which falls within the Cuvelai River Basin Organisation.Besides that, Shiinda worked with LL Namibia Phosphates (Pty) Ltd, responsible for deep-sea phosphorite exploration, evaluation and orebody modelling, which at a later stage published a detailed thesis, titled ‘Petrography, Stratigraphy and Facies Analysis of the Marine Phosphate Deposit Situated on the Middle Shelf of Namibia Off Hollamsbird Island’ in 2012, she narrated. Being a hydrogeologist in public service, Shiinda strongly believes that her involvement in research projects contributes directly to achieving the ministry’s objectives and ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for all.“My ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines enhances the ministry’s holistic approach to tackling water-related challenges by understanding water availability, usage patterns and future demands, well-informed decision-making that can help implement appropriate strategies to address water scarcity challenges and ensure equitable distribution of water resources in our daring arid climate” she asserted. She is a native of Okaloko in Olukonda village, situated south of Ondangwa in northern Namibia. Narrating her upbringing, Shiinda said her formative years were shaped by the care and guidance of her late maternal grandmother, Maria Abraham, also fondly known as Kuku Gwakasindo, who played a pivotal role in her upbringing until the age of five. “My upbringing was enriched by a closely-knit family structure and the unwavering support of my parents, contributing to an exceptional childhood,” she said.Shiinda’s educational journey started at Mandume Primary School and subsequently Van Rhyn Primary School. She attended her secondary education at Centaurus High School. “Interestingly, when it came to deciding about my university studies, I found myself without a definitive direction. It was at this juncture that my high school teacher, Mrs Petrus, recommended that I consider pursuing a degree in geology,” she said. Shiinda holds an Honors Degree in Geology from the University of Namibia. “With the completion of my Honors Degree in Geology, my journey led me to secure a position at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. This milestone has undeniably marked a transformative chapter in my life, a voyage characterised by growth, learning and meaningful impact to date” she narrated. Asked why she joined the public service, Shiinda had this to say: “My upbringing has been deeply influenced by a lineage of civil servants within my family. Both my parents, through their tenure as teachers in the government sector, exemplified the pride and honour inherent in public service.Witnessing their unwavering dedication and diligence in equipping future generations with knowledge and tools to excel left an indelible impression on her. “During my formative years, their commitment resonated profoundly, nurturing within me an early aspiration to contribute to the public service arena,” she said.Shiinda also pointed out that long-term employment, consistent work environments and a sense of job security are part of some of her pull factors to public service.ChallengesQueried about the most challenging of her work, Shiinda had this to say: “Undoubtedly, the bureaucratic processes, whilst these processes are designed to ensure consistency, accountability, and proper decision-making, can sometimes lead to delays or inefficiencies,” said Shiinda. Shiinda also noted executing research and projects within constrained budgets as one of the challenges. “Operating within financial limitations necessitates resourcefulness, and we actively seek external funding sources to support initiatives that contribute to our government’s objectives,” she said. However, Shiinda said what is satisfying about her job is the fact that it allows her to contribute to solving real-world problems by working on important environmental and water resource issues, such as managing water, assessing groundwater quantity and quality, as well as designing sustainable groundwater abstraction systems.“My work directly affects communities by ensuring the availability of clean and safe groundwater for drinking, agriculture and industry, and knowing that my work positively impacts people’s lives and the environment is very rewarding. Being involved in scientific research to better understand the complexity of processes governing groundwater resources and contributing to the broader scientific knowledge base can be intellectually stimulating and fulfilling too,” she said.Work-related accomplishmentsShiinda serves on the Orange-Senqu River Basin Commission Groundwater Hydrology Committee, and she is one of only five other council members of the Namibia Hydrogeological Association. At other international platforms, she is a founding member of the UNESCO Groundwater Youth Network, serving on the project coordination team as regional leader for Africa. She was also nominated to serve on the Water Research Working Group to spearhead and oversee activities associated with water research. “More recently, I had the privilege of taking part in the esteemed 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for the Young African Leaders Initiative, held at the University of Nevada-Reno. During this programme, I had the valuable opportunity to attend the Partnering for Impact Forum, which served as a platform for networking among water professionals – not only in Nevada but also from broader regions. This experience has equipped me with a distinctive perspective and significant avenues to address the water challenges our nation and continent are currently confronting,” She revealed. PlansAsked how long she plans to serve in public service, Shiinda had this to say: “I am dedicated to ensuring that I contribute towards the promotion, development and sustainable management of our water resources. My long-term goal is to contribute, facilitate and promote water research, as well as facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge pertinent to the sustainable development and management of water resources. I acknowledge that career paths can be dynamic, and my plans may evolve – but currently, I am provided with an environment that supports growth and values aligned with the mission of the ministry. Therefore, this alignment currently influences my decision to continue serving in the public service,” Shiinda said.On her wish list, Shiinda said, “My wish is to achieve well-informed water decision-making across all levels and stakeholder groups, fostering innovative water solutions through extensive research and development, utilising the capabilities of science and technology as they become available. My wish is to actively share the knowledge I have learned to cultivate courageous leaders in our society who will tirelessly continue to seek better ways to excel our continent to greater heights,” she concluded. 2023-08-18Correspondent
