The rehabilitation work on the Namwater canal from Olushandja Dam to Uuvudhiya Constituency, stretching over 130 kilometres, is said to be progressing well.

The N$3 million project is funded by the Office of the Prime Minister and is expected to be completed by September this year.

The project, which commenced in April, has so far seen the canal cleared for the free flow of water from Olushandja leading to Tsandi and other surrounding villages without any hindrance.

The looming drought makes the work on the canal very urgent to take water to places such as Uuvudhiya for cattle and people to have access to water.

In addition, Namwater is also installing a pump station at the south wall of Olushandja Dam to ensure that the water arrives in the affected areas on time.

Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala says he is delighted that the project is taking shape.

"Actually, this canal is a lifeline for the majority of people inland because that is the only source of water that can sustainably be utilised for both animals and human consumption. It's a huge stretch, and once we pump in water, it will cater for a large community."

Namwater's Chief Executive Officer, Abraham Nehemia, says the early intervention was necessary to avoid livestock losses because of thirst.

"The drought that we are facing this year, especially in this region of Omusati, is quite a big one, and if nothing is done sooner, we are going to have problems with the livestock and the population from Olushandja to Uuvudhiya, who are also going to benefit from this canal, they have a lot of livestock and also other work that people can do in terms of livelihood if they want to put up gardens for improving their livelihood."

Nehemia added that there is sufficient water in Olushandja dam because of the rehabilitation work that was done at Omahenene and Olushandja dams early this year, allowing for more water to be pumped through.

As the work on the canal stretch progresses, some local residents living alongside the canal have put up makeshift bridges that they will use when the water starts flowing.