Oshikoto Governor Seeks $22 Million to Tackle Region’s Severe Water Crisis
Windhoek, Namibia – Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi has announced that the region urgently requires approximately N$22 million (US$1.2 million) to address its persistent water crisis, which has left thousands of residents struggling with poor access to reliable and clean water. The funding is critical to implementing comprehensive solutions, including drilling and rehabilitating boreholes, improving water quality, and enhancing long-term infrastructure.
The announcement comes as the Oshikoto region intensifies efforts to combat recurring water shortages, aging infrastructure, and saline groundwater that renders many existing sources unfit for human consumption. While an initial N$6.4 million (US$350,000) has been secured through Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) for the first phase of the project, Kathindi emphasized that far more resources are needed to fully resolve the crisis.
“Our goal is to comprehensively tackle the water challenges affecting our communities, but this hinges on securing additional funding estimated at N$22 million,” Kathindi told New Era. The governor noted that technical assessments are currently underway to determine the number of boreholes to be drilled and rehabilitated in the initial phase, which will focus on areas experiencing severe shortages.
Hardest-Hit Communities and Immediate Interventions
The constituencies of Eengodi, Nehale Lya Mpingana, Omuntele, and Okankolo have been identified as among the most severely affected by water scarcity. In these areas, residents often travel long distances to access potable water or rely on boreholes producing saline water unsuitable for drinking. Poor water quality remains a significant concern, particularly in regions where underground sources are contaminated with high salt concentrations.
Kathindi stressed that the current interventions are not only aimed at increasing water access but also at improving water quality. “We are exploring measures such as water treatment solutions and identifying alternative water sources to ensure communities receive safe and reliable water,” he said.
Long-Term Solutions and Community Involvement
Beyond immediate fixes, the region is pursuing a long-term strategy to bolster water security. This includes identifying suitable sites for excavating new earth dams and rehabilitating existing ones. These projects are expected to be implemented through cash-for-work and food-for-work programs, which aim to create temporary employment opportunities while addressing critical water needs.
Kathindi highlighted that these programs will not only strengthen water access but also improve livelihoods for vulnerable households grappling with unemployment and drought conditions. “This initiative is about more than just water—it’s about empowering our communities and building resilience,” he said.
Reviving the Oshigambo Canal Project
In a significant development, Kathindi revealed that the Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with his office, is actively working to revive the long-awaited Oshigambo Canal project. This ambitious initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing water supply systems and supporting agricultural development across the region.
“The Oshigambo Canal project is a strategic intervention that could transform irrigation opportunities, boost livestock production, and improve household food security,” Kathindi explained. The canal’s revival is seen as a crucial step toward mitigating the impacts of recurring droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, which have placed immense pressure on existing water infrastructure and agricultural activities.
Engaging Stakeholders for Broader Support
To mobilize additional resources, Kathindi’s office has engaged several stakeholders and potential partners, including Namport, Jendev, and Hangana. “We are optimistic that these collaborations will yield positive support in addressing the water challenges facing Oshikoto,” the governor said.
Since taking office, Kathindi has consistently identified access to potable water, infrastructure development, and agricultural production as top priorities for the region. Like many northern areas in Namibia, Oshikoto continues to face mounting pressure from climate variability, prolonged dry spells, and increasing demand for reliable water infrastructure.
A Call for Action
As the region battles its water crisis, Kathindi’s call for increased funding underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to secure a sustainable future for Oshikoto’s residents. With water scarcity impacting daily life, agriculture, and economic opportunities, the stakes are high—but so is the determination to find lasting solutions.
The governor’s pledge to improve water access and quality reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the region’s resilience and ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against drought and resource scarcity.
Reported by Nexio News
