NamWater has switched on a pump at the Olushandja Dam South Wall Pump Station, releasing water into the Etaka Uuvudhiya Earth Canal, to assist in mitigating the critical shortage of water in villages along the canal.

The water corporation has invested N$3.9 million in the undertaking. 

The earth canal, spanning some 130 kilometres, was rehabilitated in recognition of it being the lifeline for villagers. 

It provides water to the Omusati and Oshana regions, and the water flow is expected to fill up natural pans, bringing water closer to livestock. 

Speaking at the opening of the pump station, NamWater's CEO Abraham Nehemia said the rehabilitation of the Etaka-Uuvudhiya canal is not merely routine maintenance but an important drought relief effort. 

"This water must reach where it is intended to go. Let all the cattle along the way be able to go to the canal and drink. Somebody with a small garden somewhere can take water and water their potatoes and butternuts just to help because once that food is produced, it will help our people who did not get enough rain and sufficient food. So the idea is to save everybody."

Officially switching on the pump, Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala urged residents to refrain from vandalising the infrastructure, possibly stalling the water supplier's efforts to provide water to areas where it is much needed.

"Our communities from Oshihawo up to Uuvudhiya, the water is on your way, but please let us behave; let us safeguard them until they reach the intended destination. I therefore want to commission the pump to make sure that the water will serve the majority of our people from here up to Uuvudhiya." 

The water is expected to reach Uuvudhiya, a northern hub, where thousands of heads of cattle graze.