Squatters get water amid pandemic
ILENI NANDJATO
OSHAKATI
North West Plastic Manufacturers (NWPM) has donated three 500-litre water tanks to the Ondangwa town council to aid water provision to informal settlements.
Council CEO Ismael Namgongo, who received the donation, applauded NWPM for the gesture, saying it came at a time when the council is reconnecting households.
Water was disconnected due to outstanding debts.
NWPM production manager Kalimba Lukas said they realised that during this difficult time, when authorities are fighting against the coronavirus, they are struggling with water storage facilities, hence the donation.
The tanks are valued at N$14 160.
Water for the people
“People need clean water to wash their hands, but there are no facilities to supply enough water.
That is why, as part of our corporate social responsibility, we decided to donate these water tanks to the council. We know they will be of good use,” Lukas said. Namgongo said many of the Ondangwa suburbs and locations have piped water, except for the informal settlements. He said the donation will be used to supply water to Onguta, Omashaka Reception and Katutura.
“We have a programme of supplying water to each and every resident of the town, but we have a challenge to supply water to illegal settlements.
“This donation came at a very good time,” Namgongo said. During this time, we have to make sure that every person has access to water.”
Costly exercise
Without assistance from the local business community, the council would not be able to fulfil its mandate, Namgongo said. He said the exercise of reconnecting water is costly.
“This might be free to the residents, but for the council, we have to cover all the costs involved,” he said.
OSHAKATI
North West Plastic Manufacturers (NWPM) has donated three 500-litre water tanks to the Ondangwa town council to aid water provision to informal settlements.
Council CEO Ismael Namgongo, who received the donation, applauded NWPM for the gesture, saying it came at a time when the council is reconnecting households.
Water was disconnected due to outstanding debts.
NWPM production manager Kalimba Lukas said they realised that during this difficult time, when authorities are fighting against the coronavirus, they are struggling with water storage facilities, hence the donation.
The tanks are valued at N$14 160.
Water for the people
“People need clean water to wash their hands, but there are no facilities to supply enough water.
That is why, as part of our corporate social responsibility, we decided to donate these water tanks to the council. We know they will be of good use,” Lukas said. Namgongo said many of the Ondangwa suburbs and locations have piped water, except for the informal settlements. He said the donation will be used to supply water to Onguta, Omashaka Reception and Katutura.
“We have a programme of supplying water to each and every resident of the town, but we have a challenge to supply water to illegal settlements.
“This donation came at a very good time,” Namgongo said. During this time, we have to make sure that every person has access to water.”
Costly exercise
Without assistance from the local business community, the council would not be able to fulfil its mandate, Namgongo said. He said the exercise of reconnecting water is costly.
“This might be free to the residents, but for the council, we have to cover all the costs involved,” he said.
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