Nehale lya mpingana: A total of 10 boreholes have been drilled and installed in various villages in the Nehale Lya Mpinga Constituency to combat the ongoing water crisis in the Oshikoto Region. Speaking at a community engagement on Friday, the Governor of the region, Sacky Kathindi, highlighted that these boreholes were placed in Elavi, Onalusheshete Werner, Emanya, Okamanyona, Ombakana, Nakapunda, Emanya East, and at Oshivambi One, Oshivambi Two, and Oshivambi Three.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kathindi emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that these connections are completed promptly. While acknowledging that some communities still lack access to boreholes, he assured that priority would be given to areas in urgent need, such as Elavi B, Onalusheshete Werner East, and Emanya West, in the next phase of the water development programme.
Kathindi noted the severe impact of the water crisis on the region, forcing families to walk long distances for water, with livestock also suffering due to limited access to reliable sources. He stressed that this crisis affects various aspects of life, including health, education, food security, and livelihoods.
The borehole installations are part of the Oshikoto Regional Water Strategy, with plans to drill 100 boreholes across the region within the next five to 15 years. This initiative aims to boost water security in rural areas, supported by desalination units in regions with high salinity.
Kathindi also reported on the Namibia Water Corporation's (NamWater) Omutsegonime-King Kauluma Water Supply Project, set for execution from 2025 to 2026, with expected completion by February 2027. The project will deliver 227 kilometres of bulk feeder lines and 15 kilometres of branch feeders, providing clean water to 589 households and over 5,900 residents.
Kathindi assured community members that the government views the water crisis as a national emergency and is responding with urgency, with coordinated efforts underway to implement sustainable and impactful solutions.