Water scarcity in Otjimbingwe and surrounding areas still persists, and community members are worried that they may spend another Christmas without water.

Community members recently convened an urgent meeting at Otjimbingwe in the Erongo Region to discuss the ongoing water scarcity.

The Senior Headman of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority says the problem has gone on for too long, making life unbearable for residents.

Janee Mujahere revealed that the reservoir at Otjimbingwe remains below 40% , making it difficult for the service provider to supply sufficient water to the community.

"We are now approaching the festive season, during which many inhabitants will return to their homesteads. In the absence of proper arrangements, we will be faced with very serious water problems. Unfortunately, the authorities could not attend today's meeting, apparently due to other pressing commitments that they had in their offices."

The Senior Headman of the Tsoaxudaman Traditional Authority, Jonathan Neumbo said the urgent meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to give feedback to the community regarding the water crisis.

"This issue with the water is escalating and is affecting the livelihoods of the community at large, especially the farming community. People have to travel long distances using their vehicles to collect water at certain points where it is available. In 2012, we requested a pipeline from the Swakoppoort Dam, and the government listened to our outcry. However, this pipeline has not fully solved the problem. Over the past years, areas such as Valpos, Belempos, Kurikaob, and Hases, among many others, have not received a single drop of water from this pipeline."

Following the urgent meeting, the community resolved to establish a task force that will approach the Office of the Governor and the Regional Council to seek solutions to the water scarcity.