Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Council have bemoaned the severe water shortages in the northern regions, arguing that such supply crises should no longer exist after 35 years of independence.

The MPs were contributing to the annual report of the Oshikoto regional council, tabled in the National Council.

National Council MP Erickson Ndawanifa stated that Parliament should provide and pass laws that relate to service delivery in terms of water provision.

"Imagine for that period of time of 35 years, but yet we have got some community members that are claiming that they don't have safe water or clean water to drink. With this August House, what are we saying? So therefore, I'm really touched by this, and we want the custodian of water in Namibia, like NamWater, really to speed up the process of providing water to this community."

National Council MP Leonard Shikulo stated, "If you listen on the radio, most people from Oshikoto are crying about water every time."

Councillor of the Oniipa Constituency in the Oshana Region, Vilho Nuunyango, acknowledged that there are water issues in some remote areas within the region; however, the council is committed to ensuring that at least 90% of the region has access to clean water.

"That is one of the first priorities in the Oshikoto region. We've been following the regional state of address, which has been tabled by our, my senior brother, the Satika thingy. And obviously he has indicated that that is his first priority to make sure that, at least maybe 90% of the Oshikoto region would be having access to the safe and potable water."

Following the discussions, the report was successfully adopted in the National Council.