Community battles water scarcity

THE San community at Omaueuozonjanda in the Epukiro constituency has urged the government to come to their rescue by providing them with sufficient water.

The community of about18 homesteads says they are finding it difficult to access water for their daily needs as there are only three communal taps in the Rooiland and Donkerhoek settlements.

In a recent interview with Nampa, Frans Chapman, community coordinator in the constituency, said access to potable water remains a serious concern in most areas as three taps are not sufficient to supply more than 500 people.

“I have also received similar complaints of water issues from other settlements,” he said.

Chapman said it is difficult for community members to adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures such as hand washing because of water scarcity.

“How will we comply with the coronavirus measures if we don’t have water? Even the distance to water points is very far for us,” he said.

Approached for comment last Monday, Changa Mundia, chief control administrative officer of Epukiro, said he is aware of the crisis.

He said water tanks will be distributed to the local school, clinic and marginalised groups, including the San community at Epukiro.

The Omaheke Regional Council’s public relations officer, Tauno Iileka, said the council is waiting for its capital budget from the central government to supply the community with borehole water as a permanent solution.

“In the meantime, we have requested the council to provide funds under the water programme to repair the water tanker of the regional water supply division. Approval is expected next week,” Iileka said.

– Nampa