Responding to a motion from DTA leader Katuutire Kaura in the National Assembly that reduced water supplies had led to deplorable living conditions, ruling party MPs maintained the situation was not as bad as was being made out.

Local Government Deputy Minister Kazenambo Kazenambo said Namibians had better manners than to relieve themselves on the street and that Kaura's comments reflected on people's moral values.

"Namibian people know how to behave.

I would deny that Opuwo people are doing that," said Kazenambo.

Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Angelika Muharukua, who hails from Opuwo, also claimed that the situation was being exaggerated.

"I would like to state that water problems are just a problem, as it is in other regions and towns.

Okakarara, Usakos, Karibib and Katima Mulilo had the same problem and the honourable member did not bring such problems to the chamber for discussion," said Muharukua.

"What is so special about Opuwo to Honourable Kaura that he thought it important to bring its water problems to the chamber?" She said if Government speeded up development in the area, people would have more money to pay for water.

"It is true that water is given by God through rain and springs, but He does not put water into pipes.

The consumers have to pay for it so that it can be continually supplied."

Kaura interjected saying Muharukua was out of touch with what was happening at Opuwo because she was too busy farming in the Outjo area.

He also lashed out at the Gender Equality and Child Welfare Ministry for collectively "punishing" children on the Day of the Namibian Child when many had to go to school were there was no water.

Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Marlene Mungunda said she felt bad that the Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek had to do without water yesterday but that the suppliers could not be expected to waive more than N$1 million in debt.

"This nation has to learn discipline at all levels, from families to schools to parastatals to businesses to public administration and Government itself.

We must all join hands with our leaders to help our nation learn to take responsibility.

It also includes each and every one of us MPs," said Mungunda.

Deputy Minister of Education Becky Ndjoze-Ojo promised to look into why Augustineum's water had been cut.

She said it was not very clear whether her Ministry was responsible for settling water debts at schools, but said she would report back to the House when she had "researched" the situation.

Kazenambo said the Opuwo situation was worrying to Government but that people had to be more responsible about water.

"Unfortunately we have to face the bitter reality to arrive at a solution," he said.

Opuwo residents are complaining about the quality of their water, saying it has been making them sick.

NamWater maintains that despite the high lime content the water is still fit for human consumption and that it does not have the N$12 million required to set up a water treatment plant.

Local News Headlines Of The Last 48 Hours

•  Delays in tourist murder case test court's patience
•  Fire Minister: RDP youth
•  Cool, rainy weather in South
•  Community farm 'commandeered', residents face a barbed future
•  Court administration takes fast lane at Swakopmund
•  Devastating fire in Okahandja area
•  Huge donation for hospital
•  Veterans Board announced
•  Roessing man accused of assaulting child
•  Region's dream to come true
•  Merlus gets double certification
•  Train wheels grind to a halt as railway strike takes effect
•  Three go free in gang-rape trial
•  AirNam wraps up probe
•  Minister gags cell firms Mobile price wars 'embarrassing' Govt