Allexer Namundjembo
The Ndama Clinic in Rundu has been without water for the past few weeks due to low water pressure.
Affirmative Repositioning activist Angelina Immanuel revealed this to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday.
She said she learned from the matron during her visit to the clinic that the facility had been without water for weeks.
“It is a big water crisis here. The taps are dry, and the matron informed me that they have been without water for the past two weeks, and it has become a norm every year during this season. What worries me the most is that next to the clinic, there is a church with running water, but the clinic taps are dry,” Immanuel said.
She added that although the management had been alerted, nothing had been done, and staff as well as patients were forced to carry water from home to the clinic.
Rundu Town Council spokesperson Benjamin Makayi said he could not comment as he was out of town.
Ndama Clinic matron Martha Imalwa confirmed that the water crisis has become routine, with sporadic water supply since August.
“We sometimes get water from nearby offices to drink. We also bring water from our homes. It’s the same situation even in the residential areas,” she said.
Kavango East regional health director Idah Mendai said her office was not aware of the situation at Ndama Clinic, as she had not been informed.
“I am only aware of the low pressure at the clinic, and the ministry is trying to install tanks at clinics affected by the water issue. We have made a procurement to get tanks, and once the process is complete, we will install them at clinics like Sewuyemwa, Kaisosi, and Ndama Clinic,” Mendai.
She added that her office would seek approval and assistance from the town council to install the tanks.
Earlier this month, Ndama Primary School, which accommodates more than 1 300 students and 37 staff members, was shut down due to a water crisis.
The lack of water presented a health risk for both students and staff, forcing them to relieve themselves outdoors due to blocked toilets.
Despite being located next to the Kavango River, Rundu continues to face water challenges.
