The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) says it has identified 75 boreholes with water safe for human consumption that have remained uninstalled and non-functional for years.
The plan also includes the construction of 14 earth dams to boost regional water storage capacity, strengthen drought preparedness and support long-term water sustainability.
The Ministry said the activation of the idle boreholes, together with the rehabilitation of ageing ones, is expected to improve supply reliability for rural and urban communities that continue to experience frequent water disruptions.
According to the Minister of MAFWLR, Inge Zaamwani, the initiative—announced during the inauguration of the Ohangwena II Wellfield Water Supply Scheme—forms part of a broader strategy to tackle persistent water shortages caused by drought, declining groundwater levels and rising demand across domestic, agricultural and industrial sectors.
“This strategy focuses on immediate, medium, and long-term measures as outlined in our Action Plan,” she said.
She added that the scheme forms part of the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme, implemented by NamWater under the Ministry’s guidance, translating national water policies into practical results.
“Each litre of water delivered contributes to the objectives of the 6th National Development Plan and reinforces government’s commitment to ensuring every Namibian has access to clean, safe and sufficient water,” she said.
The Minister said the Ohangwena II Water Supply Scheme is not only an engineering development but a social intervention with meaningful impact.
“Mothers in Eenhana can now fill a bucket without walking kilometres. Schools will finally have potable water for learners, and health centres will operate smoothly with reliable supplies,” she said.
