Kavango East Regional Council has called for urgent government intervention to improve access to safe drinking water, saying many communities living along the Kavango River still rely directly on the river for water.

Presenting the region’s 2025/2026 development report, National Council MP and Councillor for Mukwe Constituency Augusta Katembo said women and children are particularly vulnerable when collecting water from the river, where crocodiles and hippos pose a danger.

The report recommends investment in bulk water infrastructure, as well as the drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes.

Katembo also raised concerns about pressure on public services, including overcrowding at Rundu Intermediate Hospital and a shortage of police officers and vehicles. 

The region has called for increased funding to address infrastructure and service delivery challenges. 

Serafia Nadunya