Rudolf Gaiseb
Erongo Regional Council chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe has said resolving the water crisis in Otjimbingwe and its surrounding areas is his number one priority.
Newly appointed chairperson and councillor of the Karibib constituency, Kanelombe, told New Era, that he is working together with NamWater to find a lasting solution.
He indicated this solution will also include a few other parts of the region that face the same troubles.
At the moment, community members pay for a water tanker to deliver water to various parts of the settlement.
Last month, prior to the festive period, NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata confirmed a tanker is available to assist with water delivery at a cost of N$15.20 per cubic metre.
In a message on a WhatsApp group, the institution told the residents the tanker carries 10 cubic metres, amounting to N$152 per delivery.
“Payment must be made in advance, and water will only be delivered after proof of payment has been submitted and confirmed,” the message confirmed by Ndamanomhata read.
NamWater told the residents that water deliveries will be made only to designated community water tanks and not to individual households.
Due to this, Theopoldine Nerongo, a resident of Okarundu 2, told New Era this week that this makes it easy for those who have not paid for the water to steal it from the tanks designated in various areas, because there are no fences separating these areas.
Other complaints raised include the water provided with the tanker being insufficient, as some residents farm with crops and animals, while mostly the pensioners with grandchildren and extended families and young people without income are reportedly unable to afford it.
Kanelombe plans to hold a meeting with residents of the settlement and those in the nearby areas “so we can tackle that issue”.
Concerning the costs, Kanelombe noted that the rate has been set up by NamWater, and it is the institution regulating the rates.
“But again, as leaders, we have to then come in and understand exactly what it is that can be done better,” he added.
Otjimbingwe Farmers Association leader Rudolf Kahingunga said the community has been grappling with water shortages for years; the past few months have been worse.
“We have made every possible effort to resolve this matter through the appropriate channels. Numerous reports, requests, and engagements have been attempted over time; however, these efforts have not yielded any meaningful feedback or lasting solutions,” he said.
Kahingunga said as a result, the situation has now reached a critical and “unacceptable” level.
Yesterday, like last year, schools were suspended due to the lack of water. “Regrettably, the same situation has occurred again this year at the very beginning of the school term,” the resident said.
He noted that this disruption to education is deeply concerning and has long-term consequences for “our children and the future of our community.”
With unsuccessful diplomatic engagements and other avenues with the authorities, the community aims to formally submit a petition to the relevant offices.
“We are not seeking conflict, but we cannot remain silent while basic human needs are neglected. Access to water is a fundamental right, and immediate action is required to prevent further harm to our people and livelihoods,” Kahingunga underscored.
Meanwhile, Otjimbingwe senior headman Jonathan Neumbo suggested that NamWater rehabilitates the boreholes along the Swakop River to boost the water pressure in the pipelines. These boreholes, he said, were used in the past by NamWater to provide water to these areas.
Jobs
Meanwhile, amid the water crisis, Kanelombe has urged unemployed youth and members of the Karibib constituency community to register themselves at their constituency office in Otjimbingwe and the Usakos Youth Centre.
This is to create a database of all unemployed individuals within the constituency for better planning and future job opportunities.
“I must make it clear that there are no job opportunities available now. However, I encourage all eligible individuals to please visit the offices and register yourselves,” he noted. -rgaiseb@nepc.com.na
