The lack of water is being felt almost nationwide.

Due to poor rainfall in the catchments, Gobabis residents will now experience water rationing.

This has affected water sources like Otjivero Dam, which supplies water to Gobabis.

The municipality and NamWater have been left with no other choice but to control the water supply, starting on April 8, 2024, until further notice.

Sophia Eises, the Chief Executive Officer of Gobabis, stated that the town's leadership has had several discussions with NamWater regarding water provision. They have decided to close off the water supply in the evenings, from 9 o'clock until 4 o'clock the next morning.

Eises also acknowledged that the water level in the main reservoir has dropped significantly, impacting the town's operations.

The increase in population has also contributed to the higher demand for water.

"After our discussion on Tuesday, the only option left for NamWater is to ration the water supply in Gobabis town. We extensively discussed this issue because NamWater proposed implementing it as soon as possible, starting on April 2nd. However, we agreed that it would not be feasible to inform the community within two days, especially with schools closed. Therefore, we have decided to implement this water rationing from April 8th, from 9 o'clock in the evening until 4 o'clock in the morning, every day until further notice."

Stakeholders who attended the meeting expressed concern that institutions like healthcare and education would be severely affected by the water rationing measures.

Martha Kalwenya, a representative of NamWater, assured the town's residents that despite the water rationing, they will ensure that the town has water through additional boreholes.