Get real, NC member tells parastatal

NAMWATER CEO Vaino Shivute’s remark that the Mariental flood should be blamed on the weather and not on the bulk water supplier was condemned by a Swapo National Council member yesterday.

“The statement of the CEO of NamWater leaves much to be desired. He can’t say the flood should be blamed on the weather,” said John Hakaye, the councillor for the Okalongo constituency in the Omusati Region.The Swapo MP said it was clear that NamWater had not done anything to avoid or minimise flooding when the Hardap Dam’s sluice gates were opened.He said preparations and arrangements should be made before such problems occurred.Hakaye said NamWater should have learned a lesson from past floods.”They could have built a canal for the water to flow in or raised the dam walls.The weather will always be there,” he said.Hakaye made these remarks during discussion on the second reading of the State-Owned Enterprises Bill.He can’t say the flood should be blamed on the weather,” said John Hakaye, the councillor for the Okalongo constituency in the Omusati Region.The Swapo MP said it was clear that NamWater had not done anything to avoid or minimise flooding when the Hardap Dam’s sluice gates were opened.He said preparations and arrangements should be made before such problems occurred.Hakaye said NamWater should have learned a lesson from past floods. “They could have built a canal for the water to flow in or raised the dam walls.The weather will always be there,” he said. Hakaye made these remarks during discussion on the second reading of the State-Owned Enterprises Bill.