Parts of Karibib, Walvis Bay Rural, and the Daures constituencies are still facing water shortages.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre raised this during a visit by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The Office of the Prime Minister donated a water tank truck last year for water to be delivered to the Daures Constituency, where the resource is scarce at settlements such as Omatjete. Regional Governor Neville Andre says due to high demand, the constituency needs an additional truck because some areas in Karibib and Walvis Bay Rural have joined the list. 

"Perhaps, if possible, we will need another tanker truck to respond and assist communities in the rural areas. I am also pleased to report that progress has been made towards securing a reliable and cost-effective water supply for the Omatjete area in the Daures Constituency with the recent commissioning of the Ozondati pipeline, at a cost of N$17 million through the Erongo Regional Council."

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who paid a courtesy call on the Erongo Governor, said she had taken note of the appeal for another truck. At last month's Erongo Regional Council meeting, Chairperson Benitha Imbamba indicated that about N$236 thousand was used in the 2022–23 budget to pay for consultation fees to expedite the Ozondati Pipeline project.

"The project is 35% in progress, and the contractor is ahead of schedule. This project is partly funded by the Regional Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister."

As a long-term solution to the water challenges, the regional council and governor are relying on the construction of a second seawater desalination plant near Swakopmund to meet the demands of residents and industries.

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Renathe Rengura