PDM wants water commission

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has called on the government to establish a water commission to safeguard the agricultural sector, ensure food security and support economic growth.

PDM leader McHenry Venaani was speaking yesterday at a media briefing at the party headquarters in Windhoek.

“The commission ought to be mandated to oversee the comprehensive management of our water resources and promote conservation efforts by providing a forum for integration, collaboration and integration of the different water interests of the major stakeholders involved in the water sector,” he said.

The commission will facilitate a coordinated response to water shortages, including drought management, emergency relief efforts and support of research into sustainable water practices, he added.

“Agriculture in Namibia is a key economic pillar which supports all livelihoods in the form of food, employment and income and constitutes the main economic activity in rural areas, either for subsistence or on a commercial basis,” he said.

Venaani also accused the Swapo-led government of not addressing the water situation which has impacted the rural economy.

“A reduction in agricultural productivity negatively affects food systems in the country, which threatens food self-sufficiency and food security in the country. Local food demand increases and affordability becomes impossible for the vulnerable,” he said.

Venaani further said the government has created an economy that’s driven by ‘tombo’ traders in rural areas.

“For the past years, when we had floods in the northern regions, the government promised that they were going to build dams in the northern regions. Even last year when I visited those rivers, there was not a single dam being built in that part of the world.”

He highlighted that Angola has made water canals to channel water in order to promote agriculture.

Agriculture, water and land reform spokesperson Jona Musheko said the ministry adopted the Water Resources Management Act of 2013 last year, which came to force when the regulations were signed by the minister.

“Part of the act’s provision is to include the establishment of a water advisory council, water regulator and water tribunal,” he said.

Musheko said the institutions, especially the water advisory council and tribunal, will have similar functions to the water commission.

“We are pleased that Venaani understands the crucial role water plays and the need for continuous management,” he said.

Musheko added that the ministry is finalising awareness campaign activities to educate the public and all stakeholders about the new act, its regulations and all provisions, including the establishment of the above mentioned institutions.