MAWLR deploys water tanker trucks to affected Oshikoto communities

The Ministry of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform has deployed water tanker trucks to communities affected by shortages in the Oshikoto Region . Minister of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform , Calle Schlettwein in a press statement on Thursday said the ministry is addressing the critical water supply challenges affecting communities in the Oshikoto Region , which began on Tuesday . Schlettwein said the ministry urgently needs to alleviate the water situation in constituencies such as Eengodi , Okankolo , Nehale Lyampingana and parts of Omuthiya and Omuntele . ' These constituencies are currently experiencing significant disruptions in water supply , impacting more than 300 villages and public institutions such as schools , hospitals and police stations ,' he said . Schlettwein further stated that the ministry ' s Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination , in collaboration with regional stakeholders , is working on implementing short - term , medium - term and long - term solutions to resto re and ensure sustainable water access in the affected regions . ' Efforts are also underway to secure two more water tankers from stakeholders to ensure continuous water distribution across all affected areas ,' Schlettwein said . He added that the minister has availed sufficient water storage tanks at the Oshikoto Regional Office and Onankali settlement , where the agriculture ministry ' s office is located . ' These water storage tanks are being distributed to the villages to address immediate storage needs ,' said Schlettwein . The minister further emphasised the construction of mini desalination plants at Akazulu , Otatashe , Onelago and Oshikondailwa . ' Contractors are on - site to fast - track construction , ensuring these facilities are operational as soon as they are finalised ,' he said . Schlettwein added that to ensure the long - term sustainability of water supply in Oshikoto , the ministry is accelerating the implementation of major water infrastructure projects such as the Oshakati Water Purif ication Plant , the King Kauluma - Omutsegwonime Water Supply Scheme , the Oshivelo - Omutsegwonime Water Supply Scheme and Omutsegwonime Phase 1 . ' We call on all affected communities to remain patient as we work tirelessly to resolve the situation ,' he said . Source: The Namibia News Agency