Farmers at the Hardap Dam Irrigation Scheme are rejoicing and relieved as the Hardap Dam they rely on for irrigation has risen to more than 60% following rains in its catchment area. 

With Hardap Dam’s water level now at 22.1%, there is some hope for the town’s water supply, Mariental Mayor Cherien Kock expressed on Wednesday.

According to the dam bulletin released on Monday by Namwater, Hardap Dam is currently at 22.1% of its capacity.

Farmers at the Hardap Irrigation Scheme have asked NamWater to restore water supply to their irrigation fields, as the Hardap Dam received water inflow following rains in its catchment areas. 

The drought conditions plaguing farmers across the country also affect Hardap Irrigation Scheme farmers, who have had water supply to their irrigation plots suspended this week.

This is due to critically low water levels in the Hardap Dam. 

NamWater is set to discontinue releasing water for irrigation in the Hardap Irrigation Scheme if limited water inflow into the Hardap Dam persists.

In the wake of poor rainfall in its catchment area, the dam's water level stood at 12.8% on Tuesday.

Farmers at the Hardap Irrigation Scheme are worried about the critically low levels of the Hardap Dam due to poor rainfall in the area.

They say if the dry conditions continue, it may have an adverse impact on the irrigation scheme that relies on water for production.