Water at last for Nehale Lya Mpingana villages

After years of battling water shortages, 10 boreholes have been drilled and installed across several villages in the Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency to help ease the ongoing water crisis in the Oshikoto region.

Speaking during a community engagement on Friday, Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the boreholes were completed at Elavi, Onalusheshete Werner, Emanya, Okamanyona, Ombakana, Nakapunda, Emanya East, Oshivambi One, Oshivambi Two, and Oshivambi Three.

“The government is working diligently to ensure these connections are completed without delay. We recognise that some communities remain without access to boreholes, but priority will be given to areas in urgent need, including Elavi B, Onalusheshete Werner East, and Emanya West, which have been earmarked for the next phase of our water development programme,” he said.

Kathindi said the water crisis affecting the region has forced families to walk long distances in search of water and that livestock continue to suffer due to limited access to reliable water sources.

“This crisis impacts every facet of life, from health and education to food security and livelihoods,” he said.

The interventions form part of the broader Oshikoto Regional Water Strategy, under which the government aims to drill 100 boreholes across the region over the next five to 15 years.

“This ambitious initiative will enhance water security in rural communities, complemented by desalination units in areas affected by high salinity,” Kathindi said.

He further reported that the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) is implementing the Omutsegonime–King Kauluma Water Supply Project, scheduled for 2025 to 2026, with completion expected by February 2027.

The project is expected to deliver 227km of bulk feeder lines and 15km of branch feeders, supplying clean water to 589 households and over 5 900 residents.

Kathindi assured community members that the government considers the water crisis a national emergency and is responding with the utmost urgency, with coordinated efforts underway to deliver sustainable and impactful solutions. – Nampa

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