Dry taps and blackouts plague Ongwediva

“Sometimes we can go for a day without bathing because the little water stored in the water containers needs to be used sparingly.” These are the words of Ongwediva resident Kiito Amunyela, who says it is not only the water cuts that have become regular, but power cuts as well. Amunyela and her fellow residents have been waking up to constant dry taps due to acute water and electricity shortages at the northern town. “The water pressure is too low. We are suffering. The town council must improve its service, we can’t go on like this,” she says.She says they are forced to drive to Oshakati to beg for water from friends and relatives. Janice Mubangala, another Ongwediva resident told The Namibian yesterday they experience water and power outages almost every day. “This is saddening because it’s now an everyday occurrence and they don’t warn us or issue a notice prior to the power cuts. Our appliances are getting damaged and when we call the town council, we are told it’s beyond their power,” she says. Ongwediva spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge says the council is aware of the inconvenience these disruptions have caused. “In pursuit of its unwavering commitment to dependable service delivery, council has initiated long term interventions, including the upgrading of existing water towers and the construction of additional reservoirs. These measurements aim to increase storage capacity and minimise the risk of future interruptions,” she says. Shingenge says Ongwediva has been experiencing power interruption resulting from technical difficulties encountered by the Namibia Power Corporation. Consequently, the water supply is disrupted as the pumping system is powered by electricity. “However, upon restoration of power, a subsequent technical fault within the water distribution network at the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) further hampered water delivery. Working in close collaboration with NamWater, council exerted every effort to restore full operational capacity. The water supply has since been fully normalised,” Shingenge says. She warns the residents that intermittent service interruptions may occur as a result of unforseen technical challenges beyond the council’s control. “Where feasible, the council will issue prior notifications promptly through its official communication channels. Residents are further encouraged to install appropriate water storage facilities to ensure continued access during temporary supply disruptions,” she says.