Oshikoto governor raises alarm over persistent water crisis
Oshikoto regional governor Sacky Kathindi says the water crisis confronting the region cannot be resolved by a single office, ministry or institution, but requires a coordinated, collective effort.
Kathindi made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with stakeholders to discuss solutions to a water shortage that has persisted for more than six months and has become a “great concern” for his office.
He said the prolonged disruption to water supply continues to affect daily life and the wellbeing of communities, resulting in severe livestock losses, declining hygiene standards and growing health risks.
“It requires all of us, working in unity, bringing forward our expertise, our ideas, our resources, and our unwavering commitment," he said.
"Across our constituencies, communities continue to endure severe water shortages that affect households, schools, clinics, livestock and vital economic activities. This situation demands urgent, coordinated and strategic action,” Kathindi said.
The governor said the region requires short-term emergency interventions, medium-term stabilisation measures, and long-term infrastructure solutions to help Oshikoto move from crisis to resilience.
Timeline and planning
He added that over the next 24 to 36 months, efforts must focus on improving borehole functionality, expanding reticulation networks, repairing existing water points, strengthening NamWater systems in critical areas, and securing reliable, climate-resilient water sources.
Teofilus Nghitila, executive director in the agriculture ministry responsible for the department of water and marine resources, said the crisis is a recurring issue, particularly between July and November each year.
“We should plan. Let’s drill boreholes. If they have salt water, we should be able to desalinate that water so that it becomes fit for human consumption," he said.
"We should also be able to have enough capacity at regional levels to track water where it's needed most. We should have, at a regional level, three minimum water tanks. Let’s have Plan B when it comes to water supply,” he added.
Nghitila said NamWater is currently working to establish a functional piped water system, including a pipeline from Omundaungilo to Omutsengwonime.
“As we speak, clearance of that area will begin in two weeks,” he confirmed.
The executive director added: “This part of the country has been a war zone. There are still devices in the ground, so before installing a system like pipelines, we must ensure the safety of our employees. The area needs to be cleared first.”
He said the system is expected to be operational and able to pump water by next year.
Kathindi made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with stakeholders to discuss solutions to a water shortage that has persisted for more than six months and has become a “great concern” for his office.
He said the prolonged disruption to water supply continues to affect daily life and the wellbeing of communities, resulting in severe livestock losses, declining hygiene standards and growing health risks.
“It requires all of us, working in unity, bringing forward our expertise, our ideas, our resources, and our unwavering commitment," he said.
"Across our constituencies, communities continue to endure severe water shortages that affect households, schools, clinics, livestock and vital economic activities. This situation demands urgent, coordinated and strategic action,” Kathindi said.
The governor said the region requires short-term emergency interventions, medium-term stabilisation measures, and long-term infrastructure solutions to help Oshikoto move from crisis to resilience.
Timeline and planning
He added that over the next 24 to 36 months, efforts must focus on improving borehole functionality, expanding reticulation networks, repairing existing water points, strengthening NamWater systems in critical areas, and securing reliable, climate-resilient water sources.
Teofilus Nghitila, executive director in the agriculture ministry responsible for the department of water and marine resources, said the crisis is a recurring issue, particularly between July and November each year.
“We should plan. Let’s drill boreholes. If they have salt water, we should be able to desalinate that water so that it becomes fit for human consumption," he said.
"We should also be able to have enough capacity at regional levels to track water where it's needed most. We should have, at a regional level, three minimum water tanks. Let’s have Plan B when it comes to water supply,” he added.
Nghitila said NamWater is currently working to establish a functional piped water system, including a pipeline from Omundaungilo to Omutsengwonime.
“As we speak, clearance of that area will begin in two weeks,” he confirmed.
The executive director added: “This part of the country has been a war zone. There are still devices in the ground, so before installing a system like pipelines, we must ensure the safety of our employees. The area needs to be cleared first.”
He said the system is expected to be operational and able to pump water by next year.
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