The Outjo Municipality has drilled three more boreholes in an effort to address the water shortage in the town.

For the past four years, the underground water in Outjo has been going down as a result of subduction.

"It's a natural process that takes place underground, which can be because of weathering, chemical, biological, or physical, and they are still getting water, but sometimes we have to close so that the water can be opened in intervals so that they can at least get water," said Outjo Mayor Johannes Bapello.

The existing pipes from five boreholes could not supply the dams with enough water about a week ago, hence the existing borehole was rehabilitated to complement the other five, but that was still not enough to fill the dams.

"We drilled three more boreholes, and the boreholes are still there, and in due course, we will install another borehole, then we will have two spare boreholes that we can install if we can get the necessary funds, and we will also install them, so the problem was somehow solved, but I am not saying it is 100% solved."

The boreholes are currently supplying enough water to the dams, with an overflow being experienced at certain intervals.

The town municipality has its own water resources as it is not supplied through Namwater.

"It means it's cheaper water for the residents; it's $18 per litter, and we are giving subsidies to the old people for N$440 a month, so it means without paying the old people, at least they have 24 liters of water, and they are getting subsidized."

Despite that, the majority of the residents, including government offices, do not settle their water bills, hindering the development of services in the town.

Another challenge is the old water infrastructure that has eroded over the years, and the water pipes are now exposed, which has resulted in increased vandalism.