Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Hardap dam that went to its lowest water level ever at 5.5 %, forcing NamWater to order irrigation farming activities in the areas to stop taking water from the dam, has increased its water level to 14.8 % after a good rainfall recently.
Namwater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata announced on Monday that the recent favourable rainfall has collectively added 49.605 million cubic meters of water in major dams across the country, marking a significant step towards improved water availability and boosting water security for households, agriculture, and industries.
He said notable water level increases were recorded at Swakoppoort Dam, which increased from 15.9% to 24.4% of full capacity; Von Bach Dam increased from 10.7% to 23.5%; Omatako Dam increased from 0.0% to 2.4%; and Neckartal Dam in the ||Karas Region increased from 76.8% to 77.8%.
Ndamanomhata noted that while the country is rejoicing about the good rainfall, people should also be mindful of the challenges that come with it, like floods that have caused havoc in various communities.
“NamWater is mindful of the challenges faced by communities affected by flash floods. Our thoughts are with all those whose households, properties, and livelihoods have been impacted. We stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time. NamWater urges all Namibians to continue practising water conservation to ensure the sustainable use of this vital resource. For the latest dam levels and updates, visit our website or follow our social media platforms,” he said.
Mariental local authority councillor Billy Mensah said people in the area, especially farmers from the irrigation schemes, were forced to stop watering their crops due to the low water level in the Hardap dam.
“The farmers in the irrigation schemes are now just waiting to see if the water level will keep increasing and starting negotiating with NamWater to see if they can be allowed to take water from the dam again for irrigating their crops,” said Mensah.
||Karas region chairperson Joseph Isaacks said most parts of the region have received good rainfall even though it’s not as much as other parts of the country.
“We are hoping it keeps raining for the next coming months because this region has been one of the most devastated regions by the drought, which has affected both animals and human livelihoods,” said Isaacks.
