THE councillor for Uuvudhiya constituency in Oshana region has expressed worry over the drying natural water bodies which used to provide water for livestock, complementing the government’s water points in the constituency.
Amutenya Ndahafa said all natural water bodies in the area except Lake Oponona have dried-up due to a lack of rain.
He said the lakes complement the government’s two water points in the area with water for livestock and wild animals.
“This year’s drought is tough. Most of the lakes in Uuvudhiya have dried up. Only lake Oponona still has some water but, it is not a lot,” said Ndahafa. Lake Oponona is the largest water body in the Cuvelai drainage basin.
The lake is fed by oshanas, draining an area of 7000 square km. Situated about 70 km north of Etosha Pan, Lake Oponona is also the source of Ekuma River that flows into the Etosha Pan, sustaining the wildlife in the national park.
He said the problem of lack of water in Uuvudhiya area can only be solved if the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry pumps water from Olushandja (in Omusati region) to Uuvudhiya.
“This is the only solution. And everyone will have water,” he said. According to him, there are more than half a million cattle in the area and these animals need water and food.
“But there is no rain and there is no grazing,” he added.
The councillor bemoaned the lack of market for northern communal farmers who want to sell their cattle because of drought.
He said this could help farmers to get money to buy food for their remaining ones.
He said the shutting of Meatco was a blow to farmers in the northern parts of the country.
“Farmers have cattle but, there is nowhere to sell them as there is no market,” he said.
