Weather alert

Executive director in the justice ministry Dr Audrin Mathe has warned that recurring water shortages in the Lower Orange River could worsen as forecasts point to the possible return of El Niño, calling for stronger regional cooperation to safeguard water security across Southern Africa.

Speaking at the 47th Ordinary Meeting of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Council of Commissioners in Lesotho yesterday, Mathe said climate variability continues to test the resilience of countries sharing the Orange-Senqu River Basin. 

Mathe is leading the Namibian team in Maseru, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.

In his remarks, he said forecasts indicating the possible return of El Niño suggest below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures, highlighting the need for improved basin-wide planning, stronger forecasting systems and deeper cooperation on climate adaptation.

-STAFF REPORTER