The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) is taking urgent measures to tackle the severe water supply challenges affecting communities in the Oshikoto Region.

This crisis has disrupted water access for over 300 villages and essential public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and police stations, particularly in the constituencies of Eengodi, Okankolo, Omuthiya (Eastern), Omuntele (South East), and Nehale Lya Mpingana.

In response to the situation, MAWLR has deployed water tanker trucks to deliver emergency supplies, a service that began on October 1, 2024.

Additionally, efforts are underway to secure two more tankers from regional stakeholders to ensure continuous water distribution across the affected areas.

To address immediate storage needs, sufficient water storage tanks have been made available at the DWSSC Oshikoto Regional Office and Onankali, which are being distributed to local villages.

To enhance water purification and availability, the Ministry is fast-tracking the construction of mini-desalination plants at Akazulu, Otatashe, Onelago, and Oshikondailwa.

Contractors are currently on-site to expedite this process. Alongside these short-term solutions, MAWLR is advancing major infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring long-term water supply sustainability in Oshikoto.

Key projects include the Oshakati Water Purification Plant, the King Kauluma-Omutsegonime Water Supply Scheme, the Oshivelo-Omutsegonime Water Supply Scheme, and the Omutsegonime Phase I, which began in July 2024 and is progressing well under NamWater's implementation.

The Ministry emphasises that all planned projects will proceed as soon as environmental impact assessments are completed.

These initiatives reflect MAWLR's commitment to resolving the current crisis while securing a reliable water supply for the future.

MAWLR urges affected communities to remain patient as they work diligently to restore normalcy in water access throughout the region.