Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ester Mbathera
Published on 2024-03-21 14:31:41
The Karasburg Town Council issued a water rationing warning on Tuesday due to an ongoing water shortage in the town. The water rationing was deemed necessary because of the critically low levels of water reservoirs and underground water sources, as stated by Karasburg’s acting chief executive, Lorraine Jossop.
Jossop highlighted the lack of rain in the area and the significant drop in water levels in the dams, with levels now almost below 60%. To address the situation, the council is awaiting a contractor to connect the water treatment plant, which is expected to improve the water supply.
With schools on midterm break, Jossop expressed hope that the situation would improve. However, in the meantime, specific water rationing measures have been put in place. Taps in Westerkim and Lordville will be closed from 10h00 to 13h00 daily, taps in the central business areas will be closed from 13h00 to 16h00, and taps across the entire town will be closed from 22h00 to 05h30. These measures aim to reduce demand as Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) may struggle to keep up with water supply.
Residents have been urged to use water sparingly during this period, especially when watering gardens and washing vehicles. NamWater’s acting chief operations officer, Andries Kok, confirmed the low levels in the Bondels and Dreihuk dams that supply the town. Despite the regular dryness of the Bondels Dam, boreholes within the dam basin continue to operate, drawing groundwater even when surface water is scarce.
Kok emphasized that the sustainable yield of boreholes decreases during prolonged dry spells, affecting water availability. NamWater is in regular communication with the Karasburg Town Council to provide updates on the water situation. Plans are in place to drill additional boreholes southwest of Karasburg to enhance the water supply, with completion expected in the next 18 months.
While the potential to pump water from the Orange River exists, Kok noted that it is currently not being considered due to high operational costs. Even with government or donor assistance, the expense of such an undertaking would likely be prohibitive. Maintaining affordable water supply to customers remains a priority for NamWater to adhere to the cost recovery basis outlined in the NamWater Act.
In conclusion, the water shortage in Karasburg necessitates immediate action and cooperation between stakeholders to ensure sustainable water access for residents. Contingency plans and long-term solutions are being pursued to mitigate the impact of the current water scarcity and safeguard the town’s water supply for the future.
Read the original article on The Namibian
