PDM urges use of flood water

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has reiterated its call for the massive inflow of water from the Cuvelai River basin, which floods northern regions, to be trapped and used productively.PDM secretary-general Manuel Ngaringombe said during the party's regional and local authority councillors' capacity building workshop held in Oshakati at the weekend that Namibia's agriculture sector could be transformed by the flood water.Ngaringombe said the massive influx of water from the Cuvelai, as well as normal rainfall, should be trapped and used by the agricultural sector, which will result in the creation of jobs. “The northern regions have their own challenges, but have the greatest potential to transform the country's agricultural sector and create employment.“The northern regions make up more than half of the country's population and therefore needs a robust approach to develop and modernise towns and settlements. “Flooded with massive amounts of water from the Cuvelai, this water is mostly not used productively, but rather treated as a disaster and threat,” Ngaringombe said.In February 2016, PDM's president, McHenry Venaani, also made a similar call, while saying government should consider building underground water reservoirs throughout the country in drought-prone areas, so that the water can be utilised for irrigation. “It is no longer acceptable for Namibia to continually be caught by surprise by the same weather patterns and it is thus time that we evolve into a country that seeks to not only cope better with natural disasters like floods and droughts, but that is generally in a state of readiness for such eventualities,” Venaani said at the time.Ngaringombe also reminded the PDM members who have been elected into local authorities and regional councils to live by their oath of office and not use their positions for personal gain.“Public officials such as yourself are honourable and should always conduct yourselves in an honourable manner, and by all means avoid the practice of self-enrichment and serve the public. When you join public office, you are sacrificing most of your interests, hence your title, public servant,” Ngaringombe said. KENYA KAMBOWE

PDM urges use of flood water

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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PDM urges use of flood water

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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