Aus grapples with persistent water problems
Taps continue to run dry in Aus
Discussions continue to take place and plans are in the pipeline to help resolve long-standing water supply problems in Aus.
!Nami#nus officials have highlighted their frustration with water supply problems that have long plagued Aus.
Constituency councillor Suzan Ndjaleka said the lack of water has been a problem for a long time but has worsened in recent years, particularly since November 2021.
She said the town and constituency have called for the urgent implementation of a water demand management plan.
Stumbling blocks
During September 2022, several discussions took place with NamWater about possible pipe installations in Aus. Subsequently, the council set up ward committees in order to obtain feedback from the community.
"There's one borehole [that was] drilled in Aus under the Office of the Prime Minister's drought relief programme, [with] installation to be done by NamWater. The process is ongoing but has been slow with NamPower's power line installation."
In addition, the council said there have been "a significant number of boreholes that have dried up to date, and for this reason, we are hopeful and looking forward to meeting again in February 2023 with an international partner to work on more collaborations."
Welcomed resources
A German counterpart, the Life Needs Water (LNW) organisation, is set to come on board as an international partner and to join various stakeholders in the region on the project.
In a letter, the organisation explained that research has shown that there are two water currents with a pouring capacity of one litre per second in Aus, which is a good start.
"A water expert will come with us on our planned visit from February 6th to 10th, who will assess the situation on-site and draw up a water plan with us. Aus has wells that could be reactivated with the installation of solar pumps. This is sufficient to secure the population and companies with water supply," the organisation explained.
Work to be done
LNW said the work will be done by its members during the month of February.
In order for the ball to start rolling, LNW will require permission from the Aus municipality for the restoration of two activated wells.
It needs further approval to re-drill in Aus before work in the town can commence.
Constituency councillor Suzan Ndjaleka said the lack of water has been a problem for a long time but has worsened in recent years, particularly since November 2021.
She said the town and constituency have called for the urgent implementation of a water demand management plan.
Stumbling blocks
During September 2022, several discussions took place with NamWater about possible pipe installations in Aus. Subsequently, the council set up ward committees in order to obtain feedback from the community.
"There's one borehole [that was] drilled in Aus under the Office of the Prime Minister's drought relief programme, [with] installation to be done by NamWater. The process is ongoing but has been slow with NamPower's power line installation."
In addition, the council said there have been "a significant number of boreholes that have dried up to date, and for this reason, we are hopeful and looking forward to meeting again in February 2023 with an international partner to work on more collaborations."
Welcomed resources
A German counterpart, the Life Needs Water (LNW) organisation, is set to come on board as an international partner and to join various stakeholders in the region on the project.
In a letter, the organisation explained that research has shown that there are two water currents with a pouring capacity of one litre per second in Aus, which is a good start.
"A water expert will come with us on our planned visit from February 6th to 10th, who will assess the situation on-site and draw up a water plan with us. Aus has wells that could be reactivated with the installation of solar pumps. This is sufficient to secure the population and companies with water supply," the organisation explained.
Work to be done
LNW said the work will be done by its members during the month of February.
In order for the ball to start rolling, LNW will require permission from the Aus municipality for the restoration of two activated wells.
It needs further approval to re-drill in Aus before work in the town can commence.
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