Niël Terblanché
NamWater is besieged by water supply challenges across the northern regions following heavy rains that have disrupted operations at key treatment and supply facilities.
Since the weekend, according to NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant has been battling both water quality and quantity issues caused by runoff from the oshanas in Ogongo and Oshikuku entering the Calueque–Oshakati Canal.
He said the raw water quality has deteriorated, prompting changes to the plant’s usual treatment process.
“Our conventional treatment process is now using extra coagulants and more frequent desludging of sedimentation tanks,” Ndamanomhata said.
These necessary adjustments have reduced both the plant’s output and the quality of treated water.
“Production capacity has dropped to 37% of the plant’s 40 000 cubic metres per day, and quality is below mandated standards,” he added.
To avoid system failure and preserve existing supply, NamWater has introduced a rationing schedule across all areas served by the Oshakati plant.
“Our teams are working around the clock, continuously cleaning tanks to stabilise the system,” Ndamanomhata noted.
In a related development, the utility is also responding to a major water supply disruption in Opuwo, which was hit by flooding last week.
Several parts of the town’s water infrastructure have been damaged, including key feeder pipelines, the treatment plant, and a western borehole.
At least four sections of the pipeline were affected, and the town’s collector reservoir has been emptied.
“Our maintenance team has been deployed and is en route to Opuwo to assess the full extent of the damage and begin emergency repair work,” Ndamanomhata said.
In the interim, a NamWater tanker has been dispatched to supply essential services with water.
The corporation’s response plan includes evaluating all boreholes connected to the treatment plant, installing emergency pipelines where necessary, and mobilising equipment and personnel to restore operations.
“We acknowledge the disruption this may cause to residents and businesses in Opuwo and affected areas of the North West Business Unit, and we are working around the clock to restore supply,” he said.
NamWater has urged consumers to remain patient while restoration efforts continue, and said further updates would be shared as the situation develops.
In the meantime, the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has deployed two helicopters to assist with the distribution of food and supplies to communities affected by widespread flooding in the Oshana region and beyond.
According to the Oshana regional governor, Elia Irimari, the aircraft had been sent to reach areas rendered inaccessible by floodwaters.
“The helicopters will assist the whole north. Following the heavy rains, many people are stranded and cut off from the main routes due to high water levels. This leaves the communities vulnerable and unable to cross the water pans. We thought of getting a helicopter to assist our farmers – especially those living in flood-prone areas,” he said.
According to Irimari, the helicopters have been transporting essential items, especially food, to the hardest-hit constituencies, including Okatjali, Ompundja and Uuvudhiya.
He added that farmers in these areas have also been using the helicopters and boats to deliver supplies to cattle herders in remote grazing zones that are now surrounded by floodwater.
“Grazing areas in the Uuvudhiya, Ompundja and Uukwiyuushona constituencies are completely cut off, and farmers are using boats and NDF choppers to transport their commodities,” Irimari said.
He added that two boats have been stationed at Uuvudhiya, while Ompundja and Okatjali each have one to support relief efforts.
The flooding, caused by heavy rains and water flowing in from Angola, has affected infrastructure and agriculture across the region.
“Most of the mahangu fields in this area are affected by the heavy rains, while some are submerged,” Irimari said, adding that the upcoming harvest will be severely impacted.
Irimari also reported that six gravel roads in and around Oshana have been cut off, including routes such as Okapaya–Ohalushu, Oshuuli–Onaanda–Omapopo, and Onamutuku–Onkani.
Areas such as Uukwiyuushona and the Oluno Correctional Services are also affected.
Three schools in the region have been closed due to flooding, and two more are only accessible with difficulty. Many rural communities, including learners, have been isolated from essential services.
“The helicopter will be used to distribute food items and other essentials to the communities in flood-prone areas. We are requesting the farm owners to drop off food parcels at the Uukwangula warehouse, and we’ll deliver them by helicopter,” he said. “”
While the number of affected residents remains unclear, Irimari said those in remote villages are most in need of urgent assistance.
