Okongo's food producer dream takes shape

The Okongo's dream of becoming a self-sufficient food producer has received a massive boost from the water ministry, which has granted the village council a permit exemption to recycle industrial effluent and domestic wastewater.The recycled water will be used for agriculture.The exemption permit, the first of its kind for a northern town, will see the village council treating the wastewater with an advanced biological filtration system to allow for re-use.Water ministry permanent secretary, Percy Misika, granted the five-year permit to the village council on June.Village council CEO Wodibo Haulofu told Namibian Sun the N$6 million it received from the National Planning Commission (NPC) was used to establish the water treatment plant.“We have created about 30 agricultural plots around the plant. These plots will be issued to those who want to establish agricultural projects in the town. We would like to be a food self-sufficient town and this is the first step in that direction,” said Haulofu.“Anyone who would like to establish an agricultural project, especially youth and women, are welcomed to approach the council and apply for their agricultural plots. We have enough land and water is available.”Misika said the permit is valid for five years. However, if the average dry weather flow (ADWF) exceeds 150 cubic metres a day or the design flow of plant before the expiry date, the permit shall lapse.He urged the council to strictly comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.“The bio-filters shall be operated in such a manner that no health hazards, nuisance or pollution of surface water or groundwater occurs. No intractable or toxic waste shall be allowed to be part of the feed water or find its way into the plant. This includes any chemicals that are toxic to the biological life within the tank, that are not biodegradable or that prevent the bio-filters from operating effectively,” the permit conditions read in part.It is also states that the disposal of sewage and waste, the control of seepage leaks, water re-use, as well as the proper operation of the bio-filter, septic tanks and activated sludge, shall be supervised by a suitably qualified and competent person, who shall ensure the efficient functioning of the system or plant at all times.“The permit holder shall consider water savings and re-use measures for all water to the satisfaction of the ministry. This permit is issued based on the information supplied and a condition prevailing at the time this application was processed. Any change in treatment processes, techniques or a change in supervisory polices shall be reported to the ministry without delay.” ILENI NANDJATO

Okongo's food producer dream takes shape

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Okongo's food producer dream takes shape

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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