NamWater has launched the Epukiro Regional Scheme Extension project at Omauezonjanda in the Epukiro constituency of the Omaheke Region.

The project will see the construction of boreholes and the development of a water distribution network to ensure the sustainability and security of the constituency’s water supply.

The constituency has for long struggled with water scarcity and had perennial quality issues with its water. 

With existing boreholes being over-extracted or sometimes running dry, the situation required an urgent address to ease the burden on over 8,000 people calling the constituency home.

Namwater, through the Omaheke Regional Council, had committed over N$660,000 to the project, which includes the drilling and development of boreholes, the erection of reservoir tanks, and the provision of power lines to the project.

The scope of the work will cover the sitting of 20 sites and the drilling of nine production boreholes and two standby boreholes.

NamWater Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abraham Nehemia, said the project is testimony to the company’s commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the people of Epukiro.

His speech was delivered on his behalf by Timothy Silombela, Namwater’s head of programme management.

Epukiro Constituency Councillor, Packy Pakarae, welcomed the initiative, noting that it will go a long way in addressing the constituency’s water problems.

He said many villages in the constituency have to contend with a critical water shortage while at the same time doing their best to avert the devastating effects of drought on their livestock. 

Such a situation has not been easy, as most of the villages’ water infrastructure has either dried up or is in a dire state. He said the Nawater’s intervention could not have come at a better time.

Epukiro is one of the constituencies hard hit by drought every year, as grazing land continues to shrink due to overgrazing of livestock. 

The construction of the boreholes in the villages is expected to provide a lifeline to struggling farmers in salvaging their ailing livestock.