Niël Terblanché
Water rationing has been introduced in northern regions as the national utility, NamWater, battles operational disruptions caused by floodwaters entering a key supply canal between Oshakati and the Callueque Dam.
NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the measures are essential to relieve pressure on the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant, which has seen both water quality and production capacity compromised in recent days.
According to Ndamanomhata, the rationing, which came into effect on Monday and will continue until the end of May, affects areas serviced by the Oshakati facility.
“Water supply to areas supplied by the Oshakati plant will have little or no water between 22h00 at night and 04h00 in the morning,” he said.
Heavy rainfall has caused inflows from the oshanas in Ogongo and Oshikuku to enter the water canal between the Calueque Dam and Oshakati, which feeds the treatment plant.
“These inflows are causing operational challenges at the Oshakati Water Treatment facilities, particularly affecting water quality and production volumes,” Ndamanomhata said.
To address the situation, NamWater has adjusted its treatment process.
“Our conventional treatment process is now using extra coagulants and more frequent desludging of sedimentation tanks,” he said.
These efforts, however, have reduced the plant’s efficiency.
“Production capacity has dropped to 37% of the plant’s 40,000 cubic metres per day, and quality is below mandated standards,” he added.
The utility said it has no choice but to ration water during off-peak hours to prevent a complete supply interruption.
“Our teams are working around the clock, continuously cleaning tanks to stabilise the system,” Ndamanomhata said.
Meanwhile, communities along the Orange River have been advised to remain vigilant as water levels are expected to rise further.
NamWater has begun controlled releases from the Naute Dam, which exceeded full capacity this morning, reaching 105.7%.
Two sluice gates have been opened to release water at approximately 200 cubic metres per second into the Löwen River, which joins the Fish River downstream.
The Neckartal Dam, also now full, has begun spilling over.
According to Ndamanomhata, water released from both dams is expected to flow southwards, eventually entering the Orange River between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr before reaching Oranjemund and the Atlantic Ocean.
“All stakeholders and communities downstream are urged to remain alert and take the necessary safety precautions as water volumes continue to rise,” he said.
The utility apologised for any inconvenience caused by the rationing measures and called on affected residents to cooperate while mitigation efforts continue.
