OMBOTO – The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Namibia handed developed infrastructure for water provision worth N$3.5 million to two villages in Oshikoto Region last week. The facilities, which consist of ready-to-use boreholes, will benefit cattle herders in Nangolo dha Amutenya and Okalongo kooHumba in Omuthiya constituency.
The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Desmond Tshikesho said MCA Namibia is supporting the ministry in fast tracking the implementation of key policies and programmes aiming at increasing agricultural growth in the country.
Tshikesho said MCA Namibia is improving farmers’ income through supporting livestock husbandry practices and natural resource development. The water points were received by Tshikesho, Acting Governor of Oshikoto Region Max Nekongo, scores of villagers and church and traditional leaders.
MCA Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Penny Akwenye, who is familiar with the benefited grazing areas, maintained that Nangolo dha Amuntenya grazing area is one of the highly populated districts in terms of livestock, although there are very few homesteads in the area.
MCA Namibia is a five-year programme worth N$3 billion that funds various initatives in education, tourism and agricultural infrastructure. The programme enters its fifth year.
According to Akwenye, some animals that will be drinking from the newly established water points will still have to walk long distances, as the closest water point from Nangolo dha Amuntenya grazing area is 11 kilometres away.
“We could possibly set up kraals near the water points to ensure that the water point and watering time is centralised. It is however not up to MCA Namibia to decide, as communities have the responsibility to choose the committees and a person who will be responsible for opening and locking these water taps,” said Akwenye.
Nangolo dha Amutenya grazing area is one of five grazing areas in Oshikoto Region that in total have four assigned water points. Oshikoto Region acting governor Nekongo said the establishment of water points at Nangolo dha Amutenya and Okalongo kooHumba is noteworthy as they are the first potable water infrastructure in the communities. He applauded MCA Namibia for the generous gesture as well as the Namibian government for creating a conducive environment which would surely attract other developmental partners to come on board.
“Now that you are the owners of water points, utilise them with care and maintain them so they can be used by upcoming generations. I will be disappointed if I visit you one day and find that these water points have been closed due to non-payment. Pay your water bills on time,” said Nekongo.
By Helvy Shaanika and Nuusita Ashipala