Allexer Namundjembo
The newly appointed governors of Ohangwena and Omusati regions have placed water access and sustainable agriculture at the top of their development agendas.
They have pledged to address water challenges and improve food production.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer at State House on Tuesday, Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa said her previous experience at NamWater would help secure a stable water supply from the Ohangwena Aquifer.
“With the necessary support from government parastatals, we can begin tapping water from the aquifer,” she said.
“We must ensure the entire region has access to water.”
She said improved water access would drive agricultural development.
“That is what the president is aiming for: food security and food production. With the aquifer’s water, Ohangwena can be transformed into a food production hub,” she said
Hamutumwa said she aims to move beyond subsistence farming to develop large-scale agricultural businesses and local manufacturing.
“We are talking about transforming the region into a centre for agricultural business and establishing manufacturing industries within the region,” she said.
She also stressed the need for cross-border cooperation.
“Agricultural collaboration between Namibia and Angola will enhance regional development,” she said.
Hamutumwa added that she would work to ensure all veterans of the liberation struggle have properly marked graves.
“Wherever there is a veteran, there shall be a tombstone,” she said.
In Omusati, governor Immanuel Shikongo said he will prioritise water harvesting through earth dams and boreholes.
“We used to depend on rainfall. Earth dams will now help us harvest and store water for dry seasons,” he said.
His position aligns with long-standing calls from northern regional councillors for more earth dams to fight water scarcity.
Last month, prime minister Elijah Ngurare told Parliament that while progress had been made on floodwater harvesting feasibility, dam construction must meet safety and environmental standards.
In August 2023, the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform allocated N$17.5 million to regional councils for earth dam excavation under the 2023/24 budget.
However, procurement delays have pushed the completion of the planned 129 dams to the next financial year.
Earlier this year, councillors from Ohangwena and Omusati urged the government to speed up dam construction and renovation to improve floodwater storage for communities and farmers.
Meanwhile, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani proposed setting up a National Water Commission to coordinate sustainable water use and improve the national drought response.
