KRC invest N.dollars 27.6 million for Okangwati water supply project

The Kunene Regional Council (KRC) has announced an investment of N.dollars 27.6 million to complete phase three of the Okangwati water plant that commenced in 2019 as they accelerate efforts in addressing 30 years of water woes in that village.

The funds for the project were sourced from the Office of the Prime Minister last month with the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry set to administer the project.

KRC Director of Development Planning Services, Emmanuel Nafele, on Thursday confirmed to Nampa that the funds are available and the commencement of phase three kicked off last week, which will cover the remaining 8 kilometres from the water point.

Nafele said phases one and two were completed this year with the drilling of six boreholes at Ohamaremba, which is located about 14 Kilometres East of Okangwati and piping for 6.5 kilometres radius to Okangwati.

He also stated that the N.dollars 27.6 million will be utilised for the construction of reservoirs, a pump station, electrifying of the pump station, and a pipeline.

Nafele further noted that the water reticulation plant will also benefit the communities residing en route to Okangwati, where earth dams will also be constructed to solve the problem of water shortage for both humans and livestock in one of the driest areas in the region.

He said a total amount of more than N.dollars 37 million has been invested in the project thus far, with its completion anticipated by 31 March 2022.

Also speaking to Nampa, Epupa Constituency Councillor, Tjimutambo Kuuoko, said the completion of the project has been long overdue and he therefore hopes that all residents within the vicinity of Okangwati will benefit from it, adding that the current water sourced from old boreholes is contaminated, which is caused by poor sanitary protection. He said the completion of the project will mean that more than 3 000 people will have access to clean water by the beginning of 2022.

In addition to the water station, Nafele noted that the council has also put aside N.dollars 3 million to construct a settlement area office in Okangwati and another N.dollars 3 million for the water reticulation system in Sesfontein.

Source: Namibia Press Agency