Allexer Namundjembo
The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has called for a N$150 million investment to upgrade Opuwo’s oxidation ponds and establish a modern water treatment plant.
Speaking at a rally in Opuwo on Friday, Venaani highlighted the town’s ongoing water crisis, describing access to clean water as a fundamental human right enshrined in Namibia’s Constitution.
“This is a fundamental issue. Clean, drinkable water is not a luxury; it is a human right. One that is enshrined in the supreme law of the land, our constitution, he said.
He added that the water issue is not unique to Opuwo or even to the Kunene region, as he has visited towns across Namibia and found that water poses a serious challenge to people’s livelihoods.
“This is a national crisis that demands urgent action. As enshrined in our Constitution, under Article 3, no Namibian family should have to wonder where their next drop of clean water will come from. The PDM is committed to ensuring that water access becomes one less thing that Namibians have to worry about,” Venaani said.
Venaani said his party donated water infrastructure to the community of Rupara in Rundu.
“We have already donated water infrastructure to communities in Chinchimane and other villages across the Kavango and Zambezi regions. We do not merely talk about problems—we take action. And this is what we will continue to do, as long as we are entrusted with the mandate to lead this nation,” he said.
The issue of water remains a challenge in the country, mainly in the rural areas, as people still depend on boreholes and wells for water.
Regions such as Kunene, Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto and Ohangewena are experiencing challenges with accessing clean water.
Due to the scarcity of water in their areas, councillors suggested last month that the government should build earth dams to collect rainwater.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform welcomed the allocation of N$5.5 million for earth dams last year as a potential solution to the flooding and water shortages in the northern regions.
This year, the agriculture minister, Calle Schlettwein announced an additional N$100 million for earth dam excavation.
Despite these initiatives, only 11 earth dams have been constructed so far.
In August, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah handed over 11 earth dams in the Oshana region, providing relief to livestock farmers and boosting agricultural activities.