2008-01-15Staff Report 2 "By Anna Ingwafa OSHAKATI Repairs being undertaken at the Oshakati Water Reservoir might cause a serious water shortage because most of the northern towns draw the bulk of their water from this reservoir. Officials at Oshakati and Ongwediva confirmed to New Era that the situation might worsen because the towns are completely dependent on the reservoir for water. ""We are 100 percent reliant on NamWater, and we are praying that the situation will not get out of hand,"" said Ongwediva Town Corporate Communication Manager Adreas Uutoni. NamWater announced last week that water will be limited to the Oshakati plant during the period of repairs and that a water shortage could be experienced. Apart from Ondangwa, Ongwediva and Helao Nafidi, nearby villages and all rural pipelines and animals in the area are served by the same reservoir. The situation could be compounded by lack of rain. The condition of the animals in the north is worse because there is no grazing. Most farmers have already lost a number of animals due to drought. Interruptions in the supply of water will only make matters worse. Following a Cabinet instruction for NamWater to reopen water to communal farmers countrywide, some of the places are yet to get water. Corporate Communications Manager at NamWater Johannes Shigwedha told New Era the repairs would start tomorrow and last between one and two months. " 2008-01-15Staff Report 2
