Residents of Ombwata, Onandjila, Okalale, Olyasiiti, Iikokola and Okamalindi villages in the Omusati Region held a demonstration demanding a reliable water supply after going without water for up to seven months every year.

Residents say their taps and public water tanks run dry from May until the rainy season.

Residents said the problem has persisted for years, blaming undersized pipelines for the recurring shortages.

Themu Alweendo is the spokesperson of the group, who stated, "We have come here today, peacefully and with respect, to hand over this petition in person. We have come because we are thirsty. Year after year we have experienced water problems within our communities and waited for help for too long."

Residents say they have to travel between 15 and 25 kilometres to buy water at the NamWater office in Okahao, while a 20-litre container can cost up to N$20 dollars.

The shortage has also affected livestock and garden projects, threatening household food security and livelihoods.

The community says a reliable water supply should be guaranteed throughout the year, not only during the rainy season.

"A pipeline that only works when it rains is not a water supply. We believe the cause of our problem is known and can be fixed. Access to safe water is a right of every Namibian, not a favour."

The residents are demanding regular water deliveries to public tanks, bigger pipelines, a reservoir dam closer to their villages and surveys for possible boreholes.

They have the councillors of the Okahao and Tsandi constituencies under which the villages fall 21 days to respond in writing.

The Okahao councillor was unavailable and had not left anyone to receive the petition, despite being informed of the demonstration.

The Tsandi petition was received by Sackaria Mwatange, an official in the councillor's office, who said he would hand it over once the councillor becomes available.