Omatjete residents say the water crisis is affecting their resolve to grow food and diversify their farming activities.

The persistent drought has decreased underground water sources at Omatjete and surrounding areas in the past 7 years.

Community leaders say only one borehole has remained operational to provide water to the entire community.

A truck transports water from other areas to Omatjete about three days a week to meet the demand but it is not enough.

The community which has historically relied on livestock farming for survival has now turned to gardens as an alternative. 

The Chairperson of the Omatjete Water Committee Lazarus Ngairo explained that residents who have backyard gardens have to share the little water they have. He also revealed that they sometimes have to use bath water for their vegetables.

According to the Senior Councillor of the  Zeraeua Traditional Authority Fabianus Uaseuapani, the small have unfortunately shriveled away due to a lack of water.

Meanwhile, the Erongo Regional Council advertised a tender for the construction of a 30-kilometer water pipeline from Ozondati to Omatjete in August.

Council has however expressed frustration and described the procurement process as cumbersome because it is delaying the appointment of contractors.

Calling on the community to be patient, the Acting CEO Seblonia Kauari says there are no shortcuts to the procurement process.

She has revealed that the appointment of a contractor is expected to be done in early December if there are no objections received.

In the meantime, Kauari has indicated that the council availed a water tanker truck to transport water from Okambahe for distribution at Omatjete.