Omatjete and the surrounding areas in the Erongo Region now have access to water, following the commissioning of a 31-kilometre water pipeline from Ozondati.

Since 2019, residents at Omatjete and surrounding areas in the Erongo Region have endured a water shortage that turned into a crisis.

Ombara Manasse Zeraua told parliamentarians that in the past, the clinic and school temporarily closed down because there was no water.

Ombara Zeraua from the Zeraua Traditional Authority said water had to be ferried from Okombahe to supply Omatjete and the surrounding communities.

The completion of the 31-kilometre water pipeline from Ozondati to Omatjete, in the Daures constituency, is therefore a welcome relief.

"This water supply has not just come on a silver platter; it has been coming since 2019 up until now, so it was not an easy thing. We have to take care of this. Now, we have an opportunity to engage in various projects that will contribute to the wealth of our people."

The more than N$28-million pipeline was funded by the regional council, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Land Reform.

Minister Inge Zaamwani stressed that the Daures constituency heavily relies on groundwater resources, which have diminished in quality and quantity because of a prolonged drought.

"Completion of this project will ensure that the communities of Ozondati and Omatjete and surrounding areas have access to secure water and a safe source of potable water, which will also serve as a foundation for growth and numerous industrial and agricultural activities aimed at achieving food security and food self-sufficiency and potentially create employment opportunities."

The Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses indicated that, although Daures is rated as one of the poorest constituencies, there is potential for residents to thrive now that there is water available. 

"The prolonged drought and recurring dry spells have resulted in significant losses of livestock, a very painful picture, and reduced agriculture. I grew up in this area; it was one of the agricultural hubs. Our parents were farming with countless numbers of cattle, small stock. We were feeding ourselves with different types of crops, but with the veld fires, honourable minister, our communities, their livelihood are severely challenged."

The governor pledged to bring together experts to address the lack of water supply in other parts of the region, stressing that desalinated seawater will secure every corner of Erongo.