Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ellen Alberts
Published on 2024-03-16 06:00:00
The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has taken steps to address the water shortages faced by residents of Aus in the //Kharas region by connecting a new borehole to alleviate the problem. Since October 2022, residents of Aus have been facing water shortages for two to three days every two weeks due to the reservoir running dry when the underground water table fell below 40% capacity.
NamWater’s chief executive Abraham Nehemia explained that a new borehole was drilled last year, capable of yielding approximately 40 cubic liters of water per day. A contractor was appointed to establish the necessary infrastructure and connect the borehole to the reservoir. Nehemia emphasized that this is a short-term solution to address the immediate water provision needs for the next two to three years.
In addition to the new borehole, NamWater is working on a long-term solution by drawing water from the Koichab Pan, which currently supplies water to the Lüderitz community. There are also plans to add a desalination plant to draw water from the Atlantic Ocean. Nehemia noted that despite the current rainy season, Aus’s rocky topography and silt-based topsoil structure hinder the absorption of rainwater into the ground to replenish the underground water table.
To ensure sustainable water provision, NamWater is conducting geological surveys to locate more water sources near the Aus settlement to drill additional boreholes. !Nami≠Nüs constituency councillor Susan Ndjaleka applauded the connection of the new borehole as a positive step in providing sustainable potable water to the community in the short to medium term.
Ndjaleka highlighted that out of the 15 boreholes supplying water to the settlement, five had run dry and the pumps of two boreholes were broken. With the new borehole connected, residents can expect sufficient water for businesses, livestock, and household needs. Last year, various stakeholders came together to address the water shortage challenge, resulting in the decision to drill the new borehole.
Residents were advised to collect water for household use on days when the reservoir was dry and were provided with water-saving tips to manage with reduced water availability. Farmers were instructed to set up separate boreholes with solar pumps for their livestock, as the existing 15 boreholes were insufficient to provide water for animals around the settlement.
Aus village chief executive Queeny Koopman indicated that residents would need to wait for the new borehole to be commissioned before feeling its impact, notwithstanding its connection to the reservoir. Aus, located 215km southwest of Keetmanshoop, continues to rely on these water sources for daily needs.
In conclusion, NamWater’s efforts to address the water shortages at Aus demonstrate a commitment to ensuring sustainable water provision for residents. The new borehole and long-term water sourcing plans reflect a proactive approach to mitigating water scarcity in the region. Residents can look forward to improved water access for their various needs as these solutions are implemented.
Read the original article on The Namibian
