OMUTHIYA — In a move to increase safety and prevent drownings, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform’s Department of Water Affairs has announced plans to modernize traditional wells in the Oshikoto Region.

According to the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa), speaking with Nampa, the modernization will be executed by a local team from Omuthiya using readily available materials. This decision follows a recent drowning incident at the Eendungu dhakambwela wells in the Nehale Lyampingana Constituency. Ngurare highlighted past successful modernizations in Tsandi and Onesi, Omusati Region, which have resulted in privately owned, upgraded wells.

The ministry identified a lack of regulation for traditional wells’ safety, prompting them to engage geologists and engineers in 2021 to begin registering these wells. Ngurare explained that modernization entails constructing the wells with foundational support, using cement, and installing a submersible pump connected to a solar panel, effectively transforming them into complete boreholes.

Despite the fact that the well water, often used for livestock and plants, is not suitable for human consumption due to salinity, Ngurare emphasized the community’s role in maintaining the wells. He called for vigilance against theft, an issue that has previously affected well maintenance.