NamWater being the country’s biggest water supplier has initiated a
project which aims to produce a long-term plan for sustainable water provision
in the Northern-Central areas of the country.
The main objective of this project
is to ensure improved living conditions, good health and economic development in
Central Northern regions of Namibia by ensuring sufficient provision of water
for people, livestock and irrigation in both rural and urban areas.
Stakeholders
from various institutions gathered to voice their opinions and expectations on
the current water issues and concerns to be considered in the water master plan
project in order to ensure that there are improved services in water provision
and that people have access to clean water in the future.
Despite the efforts by
NamWater to tackle the water crisis in the northern areas, there has been water
scarcity in some areas due to a rapid increase in the population which greatly
affected people and livestock due to high water demand.
Mr Johann
Pichler-Stainern, a consultant for the Water Master Plan project who was the
expert and main speaker at the meeting mentioned that this project covers areas
in Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Omusati and also some areas of Opuwo.
“We
have insufficient water storage capacity, though there are pipelines and
reservoirs they are too old which may delay the supply of water. In most cases
rural customers use significantly more water per capita than anticipated,”
Pichler-Stainern said.
“We encounter operational issues which may lead to water
supply interruptions at times. “Additionally, groundwater partly with high
levels of salinity or sulphate and fluoride in Opuwo and Eenanha requires
expensive treatment.
“In areas like Helao Nafidi non-conventional water sources
are yet to be in use and there is a provision of treated wastewater for
irrigation purposes. However the challenge remains that livestock use untreated
water for drinking.”
Pichler-Stainern pointed out that due to high heats there
has been a high water loss due to high evaporation of which Opuwo experience a
40% water loss.
“[The situation of] water loss needs to be enhanced, as water is
a scarce resource in the north central Namibia. There is a need of bulk water
capacity especially at Olushandja dam due to high evaporate,” he stressed.
He
further stated that although NamWater is working tirelessly to ensure
uninterrupted water supply to consumers, illegal water connections to the
NamWater lines remains the biggest constraint.
He also said that inadequate
capacities of infrastructure to meet the future water demands like treatment
plants, pumps, storage reservoirs, and distribution systems hinder the processes
of supplying water.
Effects of climate and land-use changes, floods and drought
remain a challenge too.
“There is a need for better collaboration between NamWater, local authorities and regional authorities. The most important part of this project is to ensure public consultation processes for participatory approach and involvement of target groups,” said Pichler-Stainern.
He urged
stakeholders to create public awareness regarding the use of scarce water
resources and water saving conduct for improved water demand management.
Speaking at the same meeting the Oshikoto Regional Governor Mr Penda Ya Ndakolo
emphasised that this project is an opportunity for stakeholders to share
knowledge and find innovative solutions that secure reliable water supply for
the current and future generations.
