The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, with assistance from technical partners and in collaboration with the Angolan government, has conducted studies and test trials about the viability of the underground water source.
The ministry is currently carrying out pilot projects by supplying water to Eenhana and Omundaungilo constituencies in Ohangwena region from the aquifer to test the quality and quantity of the water.
Fillipus Shilongo, the acting chief regional officer for Ohangwena Regional Council, said the region is pinning its hope on the aquifer to solve the lingering water shortage.
Close to 70 percent of region’s inhabitants in rural areas continue to drink “brown and blackish” water from traditional wells and salty water from borehole, which is not even fit for animal consumption, Shilongo told The Southern Times.
“The water from Oshikunde and Epembe boreholes has been confirmed to contain higher fluoride, which is not suitable for human consumption.
That’s why the Okongo Regional Office is still using water from the tank that we supply them from Eenhana town,” he said.
The aquifer that flows across the borders with Angola is estimated to contain about 20 billion cubic metres of freshwater on the Namibian side.
“Angola knows what is happening in Namibia and we know what is happening in Angola as Ohangwena underground aquifer is of concern and we are working together to carry a similar study on the Angola side and as well as in Botswana,” said Nehemiah.
Nehemiah said the government was going to develop the aquifer in phases based on the budget available from treasury and development partners.
It further recommends that ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires countries of the world to invest in adequate infrastructure, provide sanitation facilities, and encourage hygiene at every level.