NamWater has decreased water supply to the City of Windhoek from 75% to 40% of the total demand.

This is because three dams supplying water to Windhoek are running low due to a minimal inflow during the rainy season.

This came to light during the council's meeting.

The Governor of Otjozondjupa Region, James Uerikua, together with NamWater, visited boreholes, aquifers, and reservoirs to reticulate water from storage sources, expand and upgrade the existing water network, and bring water closer to dry areas in the region. 

The main economic activity in Otjozondjupa is in the agricultural sector.

The eastern part, with virgin land for grazing, is in dire need of water.

Despite some rainfall in its catchment area, the water level of the Hardap Dam has not significantly improved.

Dawie De Klerk, Chairperson of the Hardap Irrigation Farmers Association, reports that the dam has received only 0.7% water inflow following the rains.

As of Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, the dam level was 12.2% compared to 11.5% on Monday morning.

According to De Klerk, the dam is still experiencing some inflow.

Residents of Mariental and the Hardap Irrigation Scheme rely on the Hardap Dam for water supplies.

The lack of water is being felt almost nationwide.

Due to poor rainfall in the catchments, Gobabis residents will now experience water rationing.

This has affected water sources like Otjivero Dam, which supplies water to Gobabis.

The municipality and NamWater have been left with no other choice but to control the water supply, starting on April 8, 2024, until further notice.

Water levels in various dams across the country continue to decrease despite good rains recorded in some parts over the weekend. 

The weekly dam bulletin released by NamWater on Monday shows water levels in most dams dropped by 1% this week compared to last week. 

The Hardap Dam decreased from 12.2% last week to 11.7% this week.

This time last season, Hardap Dam's water level stood at 41%. 

The Kamanjab Village Council is drilling several boreholes to address the water crisis that residents have been experiencing over the past few months.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Bianca Nguaiko, says the village council received N$5 million from the Office of the Prime Minister to effect this.

Nguaiko says residents have been without water for over six months after the Namwater borehole dried up.

She says that with the funds they received from the Office of the Prime Minister last month, they have appointed a contractor. 

NamWater is planning to develop the new Olushandja Waste Water Treatment Plant in the Omusati Region to increase water supply to the western and southern parts of the region.

NamWater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemiah says in the past 5 years they have been experiencing serious water interruptions, especially during the dry season.

Thus, he says, there is a need to find an amicable solution to the problem.

Design consultants for the new Olushandja Treatment Plant have already been appointed.

NamWater continues the battle to provide water to the northern regions, a situation that has severely impacted humans and livestock in especially remote rural areas.

Namwater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia says water from the canal has finally reached Oshakati for treatment before it can be distributed.

Residents were for the past month forced to travel long distances to fetch water, some for both household consumption and for their animals.

NamWater Operations Manager Abraham Ashipala has called on the government to consider settling the debts owed to it by rural water schemes.

Oshana local water committee owes the water utility N$59,6 million.

NamWater made an appeal to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources and Development at Oshakati, which is conducting oversight hearings on a motion to write off historic debts.

Oshakati Town Council does not have historic debts, however, it has an outstanding invoice for October of N$2.3 million.

NamWater is working on the rehabilitation of its canal in an effort to ensure that the northern communities have access to an ample supply of clean drinking water.

Two particularly significant portions, Omahenene and Olushandja, have already undergone thorough refurbishment, incurring costs that exceed N$60 million.