Erongo Governor Neville Andre believes residents can speed up the construction of the Ozondati-Omatjete water pipeline if they volunteer their services.

The governor attended a groundbreaking ceremony for phase 3 of the Ozondati-Omatjete water pipeline at Ondjombo.

There are eight kilometres remaining to complete the construction of the N$29 million pipeline.

"We are informed that it will take about six months to get the pipeline to Omatjete, but we are still continuing to cry for water. My call to the whole community is that we engage and involve ourselves to shorten that period. We want to see the water tomorrow, but what does that mean? You as a community pick your spades, pick your shovels, and also dig trenches so that you also contribute to the faster implementation of this project because you are crying of the water."

The Erongo Regional Council ferries water from Karibib, about 120 kilometres to Omatjete.

Residents living in areas surrounding areas like Ondjombo informed NBC News that they pay others to drive to Omatjete to buy water for their households and animals.

They indicated that they are willing to volunteer their services to speed up the project.