Traditional wells to be modernised

Traditional wells to be modernised ELLANIE SMIT



WINDHOEK

The agriculture ministry says from early next year, it will develop and modernise traditional wells based on the availability of funds.

This after a video clip circulated on social media showing communities at Ovituambu village sourcing water from a traditional well for livestock.

The village is located in the Epupa constituency of the Kunene Region.

According to the ministry, the video was misleading and insinuated that there’s a water crisis in the village.

In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry said the video created the perception that there is no accessible safe water in that specific community.

However, 600 metres from the traditional well where the video clip was taken, there is a fully functional borehole which is powered by solar panels, it said.

“Regardless of the operational borehole in the specific community, some members still opt to use traditional wells for livestock purposes.”

Safety and reliability

The ministry, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and unemployed young professionals, has finalised assessments in Erongo, Kunene, Omusati, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Kavango West and Kavango East, with a view of modernising traditional wells.

It said the modernisation is necessitated by safety and reliability of water supply.

“Apart from developing these traditional boreholes into safe and reliable water sources, the ministry continues to create awareness to communities on why it is important to transit from traditional wells to developed boreholes.”