Leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has questioned why boreholes in Otjimbinde Constituency which are supposed to be the lifeline of the San Community, have not undergone rehabilitation for years.
Venaani asked the question in Parliament on Tuesday as part of the questions he will ask the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, on Thursday.
“It is with urgency and deep concern that I address an issue of paramount importance that affects a significant portion of our population, the San inhabitants in Otjimbinde,” Venaani said.
He said for many years, the boreholes which are the San people’s primary source of water have been underutilised and unrehabilitated, affecting their access to one of the most basic human necessities.
He stated that the boreholes were initially developed as a solution to the chronic water shortages affecting these marginalised communities.
“As roots to a lifeline, they were supposed to ensure consistent access to water, addressing hygiene, health and other related needs,” Venaani noted.
However, according to him the neglect and consequent underutilisation of the boreholes have led to deterioration, impeding the San community’s access to safe and clean water.
This the PDM leader said has further impaired their quality of life and their health.
“We must remember our Constitution under Article 95 calling for the promotion of a policy of basic needs for all. Clean water is not just a need, it is a basic human right that none should have to beg for. To ignore this right is to sidestep our duty and decency,” Venaani said.
On Thursday he said he would like to hear from Schlettwein when Government plans to initiate the process of rehabilitation, ensuring operationalisation of the boreholes to guarantee a reliable source of clean water to the San community.
He said he would also like to know what measures the ministry put in place to ensure that the residents of Otjimbinde Constituency have clean, drinkable water as they have been without it for prolonged periods of time.
Meanwhile, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) deputy leader, Henny Seibeb, has questioned the fining of tourists who enter the country without stickers on their vehicles indicating their foreign origin. He told Parliament on Tuesday that there have been several complaints from visitors who have had unpleasant experiences at border posts. He said on Thursday he will ask the Works Minister, John Mutorwa, why these stickers are not available at border posts to allow tourists to enter the country and avoid the fine.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency