Oshikoto water improves slightly

By Hileni Nembwaya
THE regional Governor of Oshikoto region, Henock Kankoshi has informed Confidente that the availability of water in the region has slightly im­proved, due to rains received so far.
Kankoshi said that even though many parts of the region are still without clean drinking water, the situation has improved compared to last year.
“The water situation has im­proved slightly after many ar­eas received rain and many of the boreholes were also rehabilitated. However, there are still many parts that are without water and the regional council is working in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) to retain the matter,” said Kankoshi.
The Ministry of Poverty Eradica­tion and Social Welfare, last year came to the rescue of Oshikoto by assisting the regional council to drill two boreholes at Omatale and Padelia villages located in Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency.
Kankoshi said that the bore­holes were drilled at a cost of about N$300 000 and are expected to start operating soon.
Oshikoto region was severely hit by water scarcity after many rural water taps ran dry last year.
Water from many boreholes that were drilled years ago was pronounced unfit for human con­sumption, while in many areas the water was said to be saline.
The director of rural water sup­ply and sanitation coordination, Leopold Niipare said that the MAWF is still hard at work, work­ing to ensure that all rural com­munities in Oshikoto are provided with clean drinking water by drill­ing boreholes and installing water pipes in the communities.
“Many of the villages have bore­holes, however, we still need to be equip some areas that are without water pipes and rehabilitate the boreholes to ensure that they are fit for human consumption,” said Niipare.
He further said that the ministry is currently not able to complete most of its intended projects after the recent budget cuts.
At the moment, the agriculture ministry has put on hold the water project at King Kauluma in Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency, citing lack of funds.
This project is estimated to cost about N$35 million.
“We are still waiting for funding from the Government; the tender was advertised and was awarded to the contractor, already. In a nutshell I would say that the water situation in Oshikoto region has improved from below 40 percent to around 80 percent,” emphasised Niipare.