Nkurenkuru: The Kavango West Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination has completed 24 out of the 80 targeted boreholes and water sources for the 2024-2025 financial year, achieving only 30 percent of its intended goal.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Regional Head of the Directorate, Richard Shikongo, acknowledged the shortfall during a water and sanitation forum meeting at Nkurenkuru Community Hall. Shikongo attributed the inability to meet water infrastructure targets primarily to budgetary constraints.
Shikongo also warned of imminent severe water challenges in the Nkurenkuru Constituency, which serves as a regional hub. The constituency faces declining water resources that threaten to leave residents without an adequate supply. "We have water, and sometimes this water supply is not at the consistent level that we want it to be," Shikongo stated.
The 30 percent completion rate indicates ongoing challenges in rural water provision, with Nkurenkuru being a critical concern for regional water security. During the 2024-2025 financial year, the directorate managed seven water point installations, including three new boreholes in the Musese, Tondoro, and Kapako constituencies. Additionally, five boreholes were drilled using current-year funding allocations.
Technical achievements include the installation of two Fleet Management Systems, with one nearing completion near constituency committee offices and another planned for strategic locations. However, major pipeline projects remain stalled. Officials reported that the lack of increased funds has hindered progress on pipelines, though support from the regional council enabled some projects to be completed, including the Manyondo to Bunya pipeline.
Desalination plant installations, which are essential for addressing water quality challenges, remain delayed due to insufficient funding. Many residents are forced to frequently replace water systems because of poor water quality, a situation expected to worsen in Nkurenkuru without immediate intervention. The shortfall has particularly affected schools and healthcare facilities, with hospitals struggling with basic water supply disruptions, hampering life-saving operations.
Shikongo clarified the directorate's role in sanitation as primarily constructing sanitation facilities for communities. His office often receives maintenance requests outside its mandate. The directorate has constructed eight sanitation facilities with youth involvement and conducted training programmes. Additional installations are planned, although funding constraints may affect implementation timelines.