By Kaundjire Humbu
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has moved to address persistent water challenges facing residents of Otjikaru Village near Omboora in the Omatjete Constituency, acknowledging that communities in the area continue to struggle to access reliable water.
The ministry said it is aware of water supply challenges affecting several communities in the Erongo Region, attributing the difficulties largely to drought, poor rainfall and low-yielding underground water sources.
The response follows concerns raised over access to water by four households in Otjikaru, with the ministry confirming that the affected families moved from Omboora to Otjikaru between 2013 and 2014.
According to the ministry, the borehole in question is located approximately 400 metres from the affected households.
While acknowledging that connection fees can be a burden for vulnerable households, the ministry clarified that the reported N$2,500 fee was allegedly misquoted.
The ministry said the N$2,500 figure referred to a personal plan to install a private pipeline from Omboora to a residence and was not a charge for accessing the Otjikaru borehole.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform appreciates Confidente Newspaper for bringing up this issue,” ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said.
He added that the ministry remains committed to ensuring equitable access to safe and reliable water, including in rural communities.
The ministry acknowledged tensions surrounding contributions towards the operation and maintenance of the borehole, saying these issues require cooperation between residents and relevant authorities.
It said the Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination (DWSSC), together with regional councils and traditional authorities, would mediate where disputes arise.
A technical and social team is expected to visit Otjikaru and neighbouring villages to facilitate dialogue and explore options for extending the local water supply infrastructure network.
The ministry said the visit would also focus on finding solutions that promote fair access while strengthening cooperation within the community.
As part of its immediate intervention, the ministry plans to convene a community meeting to establish a Water Point Management Committee responsible for the management and maintenance of the communal water point.
The ministry said consultations would also be held with residents to establish a fair and transparent contribution system that takes the circumstances of vulnerable households into consideration.
Technical guidance will be provided on affordable water supply options, with the ministry identifying the existing borehole approximately 400 metres from the affected homes as a potential source.
The ministry said rural water infrastructure remains part of its broader development priorities, including drilling, rehabilitating and installing boreholes, extending short pipelines and promoting Community-Based Management country wide.
Muyunda described prolonged lack of water in any community as a serious concern, saying the ministry is working to strengthen accountability through quarterly planning reviews and community feedback mechanisms.
He said these measures are intended to ensure that communities are not left behind in the provision of basic water services.
The ministry has urged the Otjikaru community to work together, stressing that the sustainability of communal water infrastructure depends on shared responsibility between residents and authorities.
It said DWSSC would continue monitoring the situation and working with the community to ensure fair access to safe, reliable and sustainable water services.
