Namibia faces a serious water scarcity due to arid conditions, recurring droughts, declining groundwater levels, and increasing demand from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Both rural and urban communities are under strain, especially in Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango-East, Kavango-West, and Omaheke regions. Challenges intensify from July to December due to climate variability, aging infrastructure, limited storage, and power outages that hinder water pumping.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform is rolling out a comprehensive, coordinated response with immediate, medium, and long-term actions to secure water availability nationwide. Key interventions include:
– Expanding water pipelines and rainwater harvesting via earth dam construction and rehabilitation
– Drilling and modernizing boreholes, including mini desalination plants for saline water
– A new borehole on a high-yield aquifer near Opuwo soon operational
– Mobilizing community leaders to establish community gardens by providing land
– Preventing and mitigating veld fires that affect water resources
– Sealing the Etaka Canal with concrete to improve water retention
NAMWATER and NAMPOWER will cooperate closely to ensure electricity supply supports water pumping capacity, with Regional Electricity Distributors receiving technical assistance for prompt solutions.
The initiative was outlined during an urgent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on 31 October 2025, involving stakeholders across the water and electricity sectors. The Prime Minister emphasized ensuring each region has sufficient water for people, livestock, and gardening to boost food security.
