Okamue thirsty for safe water
Villagers at Okamue village in the Kunene region’s Epupa constituency are complaining over their lack of access to safe, clean water, saying they feel neglected 30 years after Namibia gained its independence.
Okamue village is home to more than 300 inhabitants and is situated about 55 kilometres from Okanguati.
Villagers Nampa spoke to said they have to walk up to 15 kilometres to the nearest village, Ohandungu, in search of water. No boreholes have been drilled in their area since independence.
Village headman Nduvira Mbambi said they have in the past engaged the councillor’s office regarding their water problems.
“We have on several occasions approached the councillor’s office in Okanguati and we were told to wait as they are busy finding a solution,” said Mbambi.
The headman said they feel neglected as their village is seemingly disregarded when it comes to community development projects such as the provision of water supply.
‘Limited resources’
Mbambi said they fear the effect their lack of access to water could result in the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic to their region.
Approached for comment on Monday, Epupa constituency councillor Nguzu Muharukua said his office is well aware of the water woes at Okamue village. Limited resources are making pumping of water to the area difficult, he said.
Muharukua said a borehole was supposed to be drilled at the village under last year’s budget, but the funds turned out to be insufficient. Only three villages - Etanga, Omuhoro and Tjapakaha - benefited.
He further said Okamue is not the only village battling water problems and urged the villagers to bear with them as they are working on the matter. He said they acquired water tanks from the governor’s office.
“I can promise that the village will be catered for once transportation is availed to transport the tanks,” Muharukua said. - Nampa
Okamue village is home to more than 300 inhabitants and is situated about 55 kilometres from Okanguati.
Villagers Nampa spoke to said they have to walk up to 15 kilometres to the nearest village, Ohandungu, in search of water. No boreholes have been drilled in their area since independence.
Village headman Nduvira Mbambi said they have in the past engaged the councillor’s office regarding their water problems.
“We have on several occasions approached the councillor’s office in Okanguati and we were told to wait as they are busy finding a solution,” said Mbambi.
The headman said they feel neglected as their village is seemingly disregarded when it comes to community development projects such as the provision of water supply.
‘Limited resources’
Mbambi said they fear the effect their lack of access to water could result in the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic to their region.
Approached for comment on Monday, Epupa constituency councillor Nguzu Muharukua said his office is well aware of the water woes at Okamue village. Limited resources are making pumping of water to the area difficult, he said.
Muharukua said a borehole was supposed to be drilled at the village under last year’s budget, but the funds turned out to be insufficient. Only three villages - Etanga, Omuhoro and Tjapakaha - benefited.
He further said Okamue is not the only village battling water problems and urged the villagers to bear with them as they are working on the matter. He said they acquired water tanks from the governor’s office.
“I can promise that the village will be catered for once transportation is availed to transport the tanks,” Muharukua said. - Nampa
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