Okongo moves to end water crisis

Max Henrich

ONGWEDIVA – The Okongo Village Council has appointed Aqua Drill CC on an emergency basis to drill and connect a new borehole as the town grapples with water shortages caused by rising consumption and rapid population growth.

According to the council’s Public Relations Officer Joyce Ueitele, the increase in water demand has placed considerable pressure on the town’s existing water resources and supply infrastructure, resulting in interruptions affecting households, businesses and other water users.

“As an immediate measure, the council has introduced water rationing while the new borehole is being developed and connected to the main water reservoir,” she said.

Under the current rationing schedule, water supply is interrupted from 11h00 to 16h30 and again from 21h00 to 05h00. Residents have been urged to plan accordingly and store sufficient water for essential household needs.

Ueitele said that the interruptions have affected residents, hospitals, police services and businesses by limiting access to water during certain periods.

However, she said that the rationing is intended as a temporary intervention to allow available water resources to recover while the council works to increase the town’s supply capacity.

“The new borehole is expected to be 200 metres deep, with a pumping capacity of between 12 and 15 cubic metres per day. The project is expected to cost the council N$995 000,” she said.

The borehole will use a dual-power system combining solar energy and AC electricity, which is intended to improve reliability and allow water production to continue during electricity outages.

According to Ueitele, the council’s current projection, the water situation is expected to return to normal earlier this week, subject to the successful completion of drilling, connection and commissioning.

Ueitele said that the council is also looking beyond the immediate crisis, with plans to develop bulk water infrastructure at the New Reception Area at an estimated cost of N$10.4 million.

“The funding is expected to be sourced from the central government through the relevant line ministry,” she said.

The long-term plans include increasing water production through additional boreholes and sustainable water sources, expanding storage and distribution capacity, monitoring consumption and maintaining existing infrastructure.

The council has appealed to residents to remain patient and use water responsibly while the interventions are being implemented.

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