By Agnes Tjindjo
Water scarcity remains one of Namibia’s most critical challenges, despite political promises and international aid. From broken pipelines to dried-up boreholes, rural communities face mounting pressure to secure water for survival. Below, we delve into the crises faced in key regions, highlighting the voices of those impacted and the urgency for action.
Erongo Region: “Without Water, We Can Do Nothing”
The drought-stricken community of Omatjete exemplifies the struggles across the Erongo region. Agnes Tjindjo-Tjimbundu, Erongo’s coordinator for the Namibia Rural Women Assembly, paints a dire picture.
“Without water, we can do nothing,” she says, emphasizing the need for rehabilitating boreholes and building earth dams to harvest rainwater. Despite census reports claiming that 97.6% of households have access to safe drinking water, the reality paints a starkly different picture.
Efforts to improve water infrastructure have been piecemeal. For instance, nine boreholes were drilled, but only three yielded viable water. Erongo’s regional officer, Sam Ntelamo, admits:
“Water is a serious concern in our region. Limited funding forces us into phased approaches, leaving communities at risk of extended delays.”
Zambezi Region: Paying Twice for Inadequate Solutions
In the Zambezi region, delays and subpar work exacerbate the water crisis. Mickey Lukaezi, a councillor for the Sibbinda constituency, criticizes the inefficiency:
“Incompetent contractors result in boreholes that produce undrinkable water. The government ends up paying twice for the same services.”
Farmers, left without options, have resorted to completing installations themselves and charging neighbors for water access. Lukaezi calls for better planning and the use of government-owned drilling rigs to reduce costs and ensure timely implementation.
Kharas Region: Promises Amid Drought
While progress has been made in //Kharas, such as rehabilitating water points and building mini-desalination plants, the challenges persist. Low rainfall predictions further threaten water security, and agricultural activities have already been restricted due to drought.
Aletha Fredericks, the region’s governor, stresses the importance of rainwater harvesting and dam storage.
“Efforts must focus on enhancing water retention and harnessing wet conditions effectively,” she says.
Broken Promises and Community Solutions
Despite a range of promises from political parties, from free water in rural areas to building desalination plants, implementation remains slow. The Namibia Rural Women Assembly advocates for practical solutions, such as community-managed boreholes powered by solar energy.
Agnes Tjindjo-Tjimbundu encapsulates the frustrations of many:
“We keep hearing of funds allocated for drought relief, but there is no action on the ground.”
A Call to Action
Water is a lifeline, not a luxury. Namibia’s ongoing drought, compounded by climate change, demands urgent, coordinated action. Solutions must move beyond promises to tangible, sustainable results.
The Rural Women Assembly Namibia calls on policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize water security. Every drop counts, and every community deserves access to this essential resource.
