In a significant move towards enhancing the integrated approach to land use management, the Ministry of Environment has handed over 20 boreholes valued at N$ 14, 138, 391.57 to the Ministry of Agriculture. This initiative is part of the Namibia Integrated Landscape Approach for Enhancing Livelihoods and Environmental Governance to Eradicate Poverty (NILALEG) Project, aimed at improving sustainable resource management and community resilience in Namibia.
These boreholes were installed with funding from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Namibia. The boreholes were installed across the five key landscapes of the NILALEG) Project; Omaoipanga Landscape in Kunene Region received four boreholes in the Omaoipanga, Okavare, Okovingava, and Okorosave areas, Ruacana Landscape in Omusati Region received four boreholes in the Ombambihaka, Ongete, Otjovanatje and Okauapehuri areas, Okongo Landscape in Ohangwena Region received eight boreholes in the Oshikome, Otutunda, Eloolo, Omupanda, Okatope, Okongo Wildlife Core, Linaelao and Oshalande areas, Nkulivere Landscape in Kavango-West Region received three boreholes in the Namungundo, Mpungu and Nkata areas and the Zambezi Landscape in the Zambezi Region received one borehole in the Zilitene area.
The official handover ceremony held at the Ombambihaka Village, in the Omusati Region was attended by key stakeholders from both ministries, representatives from UNDP and Namibia Development Trust (NDT), governors, regional councilors, traditional authorities, community leaders, and community members.
In a speech, delivered on his behalf by the Executive Director, Teofilus Nghitila, Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, explained that the provision of clean and potable water will improve livelihoods in the communities where the boreholes were installed.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative, H.E. Alka Bhatia highlighted the importance of sustainable resource management and the role of the NILALEG Project in achieving these goals. She further acknowledged that the provision of water has enabled the communities to establish community nurseries and undertake tree-planting activities in schools. In a speech read on his behalf by Elijah Ngurare, Deputy Executive Director, Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the positive impact the boreholes will have on agricultural productivity and community well-being. He committed that the Ministry of Agriculture would ensure the proper maintenance and management of the boreholes.
The project officer, Jonas Nghishidi says water scarcity is a critical issue in Namibia, affecting both human populations and agricultural productivity. The provision of these boreholes is expected to significantly alleviate the burden on communities that have struggled with limited access to clean water and to support the agricultural sector, which is a vital component of Namibia's economy. By ensuring a reliable water supply, the boreholes will help farmers maintain and improve crop yields, sustain livestock, and enhance food security. The boreholes will support 6,790 people directly, impacting 805 households and 34,000 heads of livestock.
