Namwater act on water demand

The situation of last year when water taps ran dry in some parts of the north forced The Namibian water utility (NamWater) to construct a new water reservoir.

NamWater is busy with the constructing a 13 500 m3 new water reservoir in Oshakati to secure water security in Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions on the tune of N$33 million.

According to NamWater’s head of communication, Johannes Shingwedha, population in these three regions has increased and they all depend to the Oshakati purification plant.
“Population in these areas is increasing putting stress on the current water reservoirs to the point that it is no longer possible to have 48 hours stand - by period as is the policy of the Water Utility,” Shingwedha explained.

Shingwedha said that the six phased construction that started on 09 May last year is in its final phase which is expected to be completed by 27 July. He said the project has created employment opportunity to 91 skilled and unskilled workers.

From August to November last year most parts of the northern regions of Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena have experienced an unprecedented water shortage. Taps in areas at the end-points of the supply such as Omuthiya, Eenhana, Omuntele and Okankolo were running dry.

Namwater said this was due to the increased demand of water consumption in the north as more water was consumed than normal due to drought. These forced Namwater to mobilize resources to increase water transfer in the area.