Windhoek: Secretary to Cabinet, Emilia Mkusa, announced that the 2024/25 rainfall season marked Namibia's 13th wettest in 44 years, officially concluding a cycle of consecutive droughts across the country. Mkusa's statement was released on Friday through the Office of the Prime Minister, highlighting the severe consequences that have accompanied the increase in rainfall, including infrastructure damage and community displacement.
According to Namibia Press Agency, seven regions-Khomas, Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, Kunene, Zambezi, and Hardap-experienced flooding affecting approximately 9,184 people. In the Agtste Laan settlement in Windhoek, 282 households and 1,189 individuals were impacted, resulting in the relocation of 102 households. Key transport infrastructure also sustained significant damage, including a bridge linking Rehoboth and Windhoek, which was destroyed, necessitating a temporary road closure and the construction of a bypass costing N.dollars 16.4 million. The Osona bridge, connecting Osona Village and Okahandja to Windhoek, also suffered damage, with reconstruction costs estimated at N.dollars 28 million.
Mkusa indicated that rainfall forecasts for the coming season vary across the country, with regions such as ||Kharas, most of Hardap, Namib, western Erongo, and southern Omaheke likely to experience below-normal rainfall. Conversely, Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, eastern Ohangwena, Oshikoto, north-eastern Otjozondjupa, and northern Omaheke are expected to have above-normal rainfall.
She emphasized the need for improved and proactive water management systems, urging authorities to monitor water bodies regularly to mitigate risks associated with flash floods and droughts. Mkusa also advocated for additional water sources through borehole drilling, as well as rainwater and floodwater harvesting.
Mkusa advised both livestock and crop farmers to prepare for a potentially favourable season. Crop farmers are encouraged to utilize early-season rainfall effectively, cultivate fields promptly, and employ a variety of seed types. Livestock farmers should consider restocking due to the anticipated improvement in grazing conditions.
Source: Namibia Press Agency