Windhoek: Water provision and food insecurity remain the most pressing challenges faced by communities in the Kunene Region's Epupa Constituency, with prolonged drought conditions continuing to affect livelihoods and agricultural production. Epupa Constituency Councillor Kuuoko Tjimutambo told Nampa in an interview that access to water remains a major concern for residents across the constituency.

According to Namibia Press Agency, underground water sources have become increasingly scarce following nearly 11 years of drought, making it difficult for communities and livestock farmers to secure reliable water supplies. "Water provision is a problem in the constituency due to the prolonged drought we experienced," Tjimutambo said.

The councillor noted that the discontinuation of the national drought relief programme has further compounded challenges faced by vulnerable households in the constituency. The programme was discontinued in July 2025 after above-normal rainfall was received across much of Namibia. Many Epupa residents depend on subsistence farming, but poor rainfall and difficult climatic conditions have limited crop production.

Tjimutambo said communities that attempted to cultivate crops during recent rainy seasons also suffered losses due to human-wildlife conflict, particularly crop destruction caused by elephants. Food shortages have consequently become a growing concern for many households, with residents frequently raising the issue during community engagements.

The councillor emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions to address the constituency's challenges, noting that most ministries have decentralised their services to regional level. To improve service delivery and development implementation, Tjimutambo called for the timely release of government budgets to avoid delays in project execution.

He further urged government and development partners to make greater use of direct procurement mechanisms to accelerate procurement processes and improve the implementation of essential services. Tjimutambo reiterated that water and food provision remain the constituency's top priorities and require urgent intervention to improve the living conditions of communities in Epupa.