Farmers and communities in Mooiplaas, located north of Tses in the ||Kharas Region, are facing a critical water shortage due to the vandalism and deterioration of water infrastructure that dates back to the 1960s.

Residents of this quiet hamlet, situated approximately 95 kilometres northwest of Keetmanshoop along the national B1 highway, have participated in several meetings with government officials and leaders of the |Hai |Kaua Traditional Authority, but their efforts have been in vain.

In November, after their hopes were dashed, residents chose to voice their frustrations publicly, highlighting that the situation is worsened by a lack of rain.

The population of the villages has drastically declined from 300 households three decades ago to just nine households today. The residents are firm in their belief that they cannot rely on temporary solutions and are disheartened by the irregular rationing of drinking water from either Keetmanshoop or Mariental.

While they acknowledge the government's efforts, residents are committed to collaborating with relevant ministry officials to seek a permanent resolution to the crisis.

Currently, the only water sources for their livestock are two wells and a windmill, which urgently needs to be upgraded to solar power.