Seventy-one-year-old Olga Sauseb, a resident of Swartak in the Tsumkwe Constituency, is among the residents who have had to endure walking several kilometers to access water for daily use.

The pensioner said persisting water challenges at the village are affecting her vegetable garden, which she derives an income from.

The water engine that was previously located near her home broke down. She noted that a solar-powered water system that was brought in is located far from her home, making it difficult for her to fetch water due to her advanced age. Sauseb explained that she previously used the water to maintain her vegetable garden and sell produce to support herself.

”When the water engine was still working, I used to water my garden properly and sell vegetables to survive. Before I started receiving social grant money, I depended on my garden for a living."

Sauseb stressed that residents also share the available water with livestock owners.

This, she said, has posed a challenge, as at times when she arrives at the water point, the water has already been depleted by cattle.

Another resident, about five kilometers from Swartak, Emma Tjaraus, said residents face difficulties walking long distances to fetch water.

The situation, she adds, affects learners, who have to fetch water after returning from school, affecting the time to spend on homework.