STAFF WRITER
The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF), and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWRLR), have completed a four year programme of rolling out water softening and treatment technologies for borehole sites in several regions across the country.
The initiative was developed to address persistently high groundwater salinity levels that have long compromised water quality in Namibia’s arid and semi- arid regions.
EIF spokesperson Romeo Muyunda released a statement on Thursday saying EIF
partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, which allocated a budget of N$40 million to support the planning and design of appropriate, site-specific water treatment solutions.
“A total of seventeen (17) borehole sites were covered under the project and implemented in two phases. Phase One addressed thirteen sites across the Karas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi regions. Phase Two focused on four additional sites in the Oshikoto Region, which have been severely affected by prolonged water quality challenges,” Muyunda said..
Muyunda added that the sites have since been handed over to the Ministry in a functional state, providing clean and safe water to surrounding communities.
“Beyond infrastructure development, the project placed strong emphasis on local capacity building. 69 water point committee members and regional officials were trained in the operation and maintenance of reverse osmosis systems, strengthening community ownership and supporting the long-term sustainability of the interventions,” he said.
Muyunda said the project created 127 temporary jobs during the construction phase, contributing to improved local livelihoods.
“Given Namibia’s climatic conditions and ongoing water scarcity challenges, the demand for safe water remains high.
“EIF remains committed to supporting Government’s efforts to secure reliable water access, enhance climate resilience and improve livelihoods, in line with its mandate to promote sustainable natural resource management and green development in Namibia,” he said
COMMENTS