NamPower helps Karibib, Omaruru with water tanks

The Namibia Power Corporation has donated water tanks to the local authorities of Omaruru and Karibib to give people living in informal settlements at the towns access to water.

With the washing of hands regularly with soap one of the main measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the power utility has donated eight 10 000-litre water tanks to help the local authorities of Omaruru and Karibib to provide water to people living in informal settlements.

“The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic is a major public health threat for all affected countries and communities. NamPower is fully supportive of the government’s efforts in ensuring a successful fight against the challenges this pandemic presents,” said NamPower’s managing director, Simson Haulofu.

Omaruru received two water tanks, to be shared between the informal settlements of the Hakahana, 7de Laan, Sonskyn and Saamstaan areas. Six tanks were given to the Harambee and Uis informal settlements at Karibib.

“As a result of the additional tanks, all our residents now have access to water. However, I should caution that people should use water sparingly. Also when people are collecting water from the tanks or other communal water taps please maintain social distancing,” said Omaruru mayor Hendrina Gebhardt.

With the filling of the water tanks the responsibility of the local authorities, Karibib town council chief executive officer Lesly Goreseb says the council will not install the water tanks as yet.  

“We have people abuse the system of free water by collecting water at night and taking it to their farms. This is defeating the whole purpose of fighting the coronavirus,” said Goreseb.

He added that the town council is establishing water committees in the informal settlement areas to control the free water distribution.

NamPower will also donate 30 dry sanitation toilets to the Erongo region, which will be delivered during the course of next week.

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