The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, in conjunction with NamWater and the African Development Bank, will implement a water support program for bulk water supply.

The program's completion will cost N$4.8 billion.

The intervention program will focus on the upgrading of the existing water infrastructure, the construction of new ones, the management of water sources, and the enhancement of trans-boundary water cooperation.

In the Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Omusati regions, the ministry wants to replace old water pipes that burst occasionally, drill boreholes, and erect booster water pumps to increase water pressure.

"The challenge here is that once there is a breakage in the pipeline and it's under somebody's house, it's a risk by itself. We are urging people, as they put up new structures, to consult with relevant authorities so that they know whether there might be any danger that may come when putting up such infrastructure," explained Jonas Musheko, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform spokesperson.

The aging Oshakati purification plant has also reached its life span and needs repair or replacement.

Musheko said that with funds now available, a new purification plant will be built in June this year to continue to supply water to the Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto, and Ohangwena regions.

Private off-take connections and repair of existing water supply infrastructure continue to be prioritized to provide safe drinking water to the inhabitants.

Villagers in Ohangwena who do not have access to water get water from boreholes via small pipelines that branch out to different villages.

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NBC Digital News

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Tonateni Haimbodi