WINDHOEK – Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Anna Shiweda has confirmed the resolution of the water crisis in Namibia’s central-northern regions, following the completion of maintenance work on the Calueque-Oshakati canal by NamWater.

According to NAMPA, Addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday, Shiweda announced that water flow in the canal, vital for supplying the northern regions, resumed at the start of the week. The regions, particularly Nehale Lyampingana and Omutsegwonime constituencies in the Oshikoto Region, had been experiencing water scarcity for the past two weeks.

“The cleaning of the canal was necessary to ensure the uninterrupted flow of water, as it is the lifeline of our water supply system,” the minister stated, responding to an inquiry by Kennedy Shekupakela of the Rally for Democracy and Progress regarding the water crisis.

Shiweda acknowledged the severity of the situation, especially in remote areas like Nahale Lyampingana and Omutsegwonime. “While the water flow has been restored, it will take some time for the water reservoirs to fill up and reach the most distant communities,” she added.

The necessity to clean the canal was emphasized as an essential measure to remove overgrown weeds that had been obstructing the water flow. Additionally, Shiweda outlined future plans to enhance water security in the region. This includes exploiting the Ohangwena aquifer, with NamWater and the KfW Development Bank working to connect water from this aquifer to the Oshivelo-Omutsegwonime water supply scheme.

McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, raised concerns about the current underutilization of the Ohangwena aquifer. Despite its potential to supply the region for up to 400 years, regions like Ohangwena continue to face water scarcity. He emphasized the importance of this aquifer as a sustainable water source, considering the country’s arid climate.

Venaani questioned the agriculture ministry about plans for borehole drilling in the Ohangwena Region to effectively use this underground water resource. The development of such resources is crucial for ensuring long-term water availability in these drought-prone areas.