Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The current rate of rainfall across Namibia will continue at the same pace until March according to a forecast by the Namibia Meteorological Service.
Beata Iipinge, a meteorological technician at the service, told the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday that their weather forecast conducted in late December indicates normal rainfall throughout January, February, and March.
“The prediction shows normal rainfall for the entire country throughout those months, but things can still change depending on various factors affecting the weather,” said Iipinge.
Namwater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said that the water level in major dams across the country keeps rising.
This, he said, is a positive sign of strengthening water security for households, agriculture, and industries.
“The latest figures recorded on 6 January indicate that Swakoppoort Dam increased from 24.4% to 24.8%, Von Bach Dam increased from 11.2% to 13.5%, and Hardap Dam increased from 14.8% to 16.4%,” he said.
At Daan Viljoen Dam, the water level increased from 11.2% to 13.5%.
Omatako Dam increased from 2.4% to 2.9%, Oanob Dam increased from 31.8% to 31.9%, and Olushandja Dam increased from 38.8% to 39.6%.
According to Ndamanomhata, these figures illustrate the vital role recent rains have played in replenishing Namibia’s water resources.
“NamWater urges the public to remain committed to water conservation practices, ensuring the sustainable use of this invaluable resource,” he said.
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) has also urged the public and motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving due to adverse weather conditions caused by the rain.
MVA fund head of corporate communication Jethro Kwenani said with heavy rains sweeping across the country, visibility is severely reduced, the road surfaces are slippery, and vehicle brakes are less effective, and these conditions significantly increase the risk of road crashes.
“The Fund, therefore, urges all motorists to slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and remain vigilant as they return to their respective destinations from the holidays,” he said.
Kwenani added that preliminary crash figures released by the Namibian Police last week highlight that over 400 road crashes and 80 lives were lost during this festive season alone.
