In response to intensifying droughts and growing water demand, Namibia has launched a comprehensive national plan aimed at securing sustainable water access across the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform announced the initiative, which includes a mix of short-, medium-, and long-term actions. These range from expanding water pipelines and drilling boreholes to rehabilitating earth dams for rainwater harvesting and installing small-scale desalination units.
Additional measures will target canal sealing, the creation of community gardens, and the prevention of veld fires that threaten water infrastructure.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who led a high-level meeting with water and energy stakeholders in Windhoek, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring water availability for domestic use, livestock, and food production. “Every region must have sufficient water for people, animals, and agriculture,” he stated.
To support the plan, national utilities NamPower and NamWater will coordinate efforts to maintain electricity supply and pumping capacity, ensuring consistent water distribution.
Namibia, one of the driest nations in sub-Saharan Africa, relies heavily on groundwater and shared river systems. Rural regions—particularly Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, and Kavango—have been severely affected by prolonged dry spells and declining groundwater levels.
With climate variability and limited water storage compounding the crisis, the government is ramping up investment in infrastructure and water management to build long-term resilience.
(Source: EWS news)