Oshikoto water woes continue

Oshikoto governor Penda Ya Ndakolo has reiterated the impact of high saline levels in water extracted from some boreholes as thousands of residents continue to lack access to safe drinking water. In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli, Ya Ndakolo said despite numerous boreholes being drilled in various constituencies, the end result is often water that is unsuitable for human consumption due to its high saline content."Although we tried – we have drilled a lot of boreholes – they cannot be used because the water is too salty. That is a problem,” Ya Ndakolo said.Water projectsDuring his state of the region address last year, Ya Ndakolo said projects totalling at least N$113 million will be executed to address the region’s water woes.At the time, he said NamWater is working on an environmental impact assessment study for the Oshivelo-Omutsegwonime water supply scheme, which is in its initiation phase and carries an N$27 million price tag, as well as phase one of the Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime pipeline replacement, which will total N$80 million.Plans to add two reservoirs to the region’s water infrastructure are also in motion.Prioritise water, other challengesYa Ndakolo nevertheless expressed concern about the delay in completing the Omutsegwonime pipeline.He said the project has been in the works for nearly five years and emphasised the need to prioritise the project. Ya Ndakolo also highlighted challenges, including a lack of road infrastructure, which he described as a thorn in the flesh for residents.He said while more access roads are needed, existing and dilapidated gravel roads also need to be rehabilitated.Government effortsHe did commend the works and transport ministry for initiating the tarred road project covering a 17-kilometre stretch between Engoyi and Omuntele.Ya Ndakolo also welcomed the recently tabled Regional and Constituency Development Fund bill in the national assembly by urban and rural development minister, Erastus Uutoni.First tabled in February 2014, the fund is aimed at fast-tracking development activities at regional and constituency levels and addressing the issue of the marginalisation of some constituencies in terms of project funding.“I have to salute the government ministry. Although it will not be enough, challenges will always be there. Therefore, we also have to learn how to utilise the little we have in our hands. Let us utilise that little we have, and I think it will help. I have to appreciate what the ministry has done for us,” Ya Ndakolo said.kenya@namibiansun.com

Oshikoto water woes continue

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Oshikoto water woes continue

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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