NamWater is calling on residents of central Namibia to use water sparingly as the area is facing a serious water shortage. 

Currently, the central area of Namibia gets its water supply from the Omatako, Von Bach, and Swakoppoort dams.

The dams water levels are said to be alarmingly low, at 18%, compared to 37.2% at the same time last year. 

The current 18% water level is equivalent to 27.8 million cubic metres. 

This year, Von Bach and Swakopport dams each received a water inflow of three million cubic metres, and Omatako received nine million cubic metres, bringing the total inflow to 15 million cubic metres. 

The Chief Engineer of Bulk and Waste Water at the City of Windhoek, Sebastian Husselman, revealed that the capital is currently experiencing Category C water scarcity, where the city is targeting 10% water savings. 

However, City of Windhoek Chief Engineer for Bulk and Waste Water Sebastian Hussleman says over the past 12 months, the 10% water savings target has not been achieved.

"At the moment, we are in category C, and as I said, we are most likely to move to the most extreme water crisis, looking at the current available resources. In this regard, we would advise those with gardens to consider drip irrigation or spring systems, install low-flush toilets, and use water-efficient appliances. This will make a difference in saving water. Only registered carwashes will be allowed; for the rest, we will close them down and see to it that they reconstruct to the specifications that we will provide." 

Abraham Nehemia, CEO of Namwater, emphasises the importance of saving water. "Namwater, together with the City of Windhoek, has embarked upon an initiative aimed at raising awareness towards water demand management strategies that need to be put in place during these very difficult times. The initiative will run for a period of six months with the aim to mitigate the agreed upon water demand management targets to ensure that we reach the 1 to 2 rain seasons."