Okongo: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has commenced water surveys to establish boreholes for a large-scale irrigation project on a 140-hectare brownfield site in Ekoka village, east of Okongo in the Ohangwena Region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the ministry's Executive Director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, mentioned during a site visit on Thursday that the land was allocated to the San community by the Ministry of Lands for utilization, but it remains unused. The initiative is part of a presidential directive to acquire more land for agricultural production and aligns with the ministry's vision to establish projects in all 14 regions to promote national food self-reliance.

'Water surveys are currently underway to establish boreholes for the project,' Nghituwamata said. In addition to the water surveys, a team from the Directorate of Agriculture Production, Extension and Engineering Services is on site conducting soil sampling and other technical assessments. These findings will be used to advise management on the best way to make the project fully operational.

Nghituwamata emphasized that the Ministry aims to ensure every region contributes to the production of nutritious food, a key step towards achieving food self-sufficiency for the nation. She noted that the community will also continue to benefit from the field and assured that locals will be employed.