Flowing forward: Water improvements in //Kharas

Water infrastructure development during the 2024/25 financial year, specifically the drilling of boreholes to enhance water access and address water scarcity in the //Kharas Region, has been a key initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform through the Directorate of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination.


Regional Governor Gaob Dawid Casius Gertze reported in his State of the Region Address, delivered on Tuesday (22 July), that the directorate undertook the drilling of eight boreholes under drought emergency funding. “This was done for N$2.2 million, with five boreholes proving successful. They are located in Droëputs and Landshut, !Gawaxab 1, !Gawaxab 2, and Satco,” Gertze said. The governor added, “UNAM drilled an additional five boreholes for N$750 000, of which four were successful. They are situated in Blouwes, Gabis, Gainachas and Petisie.” Gertze emphasised that these efforts represent a significant investment in securing water resources for communities within the region.


In addition, the ministry also successfully installed six boreholes in the Berseba Constituency, investing N$3.9 million in Kameelhoek, Soromaas, Schnephenrivier, Snyfontein, Droëputs and Landshut. Thirteen water points were also successfully rehabilitated at a cost of N$913 000. “This effort was supported through partnerships, including the Social Security Commission, in-house resources, and collaborations with development partners such as CommonWaters and Kainachas Fishing CC,” Gertze explained. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture delivered water to 55 locations across the Berseba and Karasburg East Constituencies and implemented a community-based management programme for rural water supply. “Twenty-four Water Point Committees and 37 Water Point Caretakers received training at a cost of N$87 000. Additionally, 37 Water Point Associations/Committees were re-established, and 37 Water Point Committees were assessed for functionality during the review period,” Gertze concluded.