Martin Endjala
The Okahao Constituency in the Omusati region is grappling with low water pressure in supply pipelines, preventing water from reaching some villages.
Constituency Councillor, Leonard Shikulo confirmed the issue and explained that some areas around Okahao, particularly Tsandi, have had no running water for two months due to a faulty pump system that supplies water from a dam.
The pump system was repaired and is currently operational again but low water pressure persists, possibly due to blockages in the pipelines.
“Yes, it’s true. Okahao was experiencing water issues due to the dam’s pump system that was not functioning. However, not the whole Okahao, only some parts were affected. As we speak now, all systems are up and running. But now it’s the pipeline because water is not reaching the people,” he explained.
For two months, farmers in the villages near Tsandi and Okahao had no running water, and community members had to buy water from NamWater for their households and animals.
Okahao has three water channels, one being Ogongo to Tsandi and one south-west of Okahao to Otamanzi.
The malfunctioning pump system also affected Tsandi.
Shikulo explained that he is currently on the ground with NamWater officials, who have been working on the pipelines that are experiencing low water pressure in villages to try and address the issue.
He said that while it is not their intention for community members to purchase water, they do not oppose it.
Shikolo added that the majority of those purchasing water are those who have been affected and have chosen to purchase it at a reduced cost.
”At this point, we do not know what is causing the low pressure because we have opened the water to its maximum, but we suspect that it could be due to blockage in the pipes. NamWater is hard at work to ensure the low water pressure is solved so our communities can have potable water,” he indicated.
Efforts to contact Tsandi Constituency councillor, Junias Amunkete were unsuccessful.
During his State of the Region Address in August, covering the financial year 2023/24, Erginus Endjala, the governor of the Omusati region, said they are working to address the water issue.
He said through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, the government has invested N$9.4 million in drilling boreholes.
The boreholes will be drilled at Olwadhiya (Onesi constituency), Ombwata (Tsandi constituency), Ombalakadhila, Okeenene, and Onandjamba (dry) in Okahao, Okanambundona, and Okomakwara in Ruacana constituency.
Boreholes were also installed at Omanyanganyanga, Otjorute, and Onamwege 4, Onamukuku in Tsandi, and Ethitu West (King Post) in the Okahao constituency.
“We are also busy with the rehabilitation of 13 boreholes, construction of three short water pipelines, and upgrading water points across the region,” he said.
Additionally, Endjala revealed that the government is investing an additional N$13 million in drilling two boreholes and constructing a 14-kilometre water pipeline to supply water to the community of Onamatanga and the surrounding areas.
NamWater said it will engage the team on the ground to give a proper response.
