No water crisis in the north so far

The 150- kilometre canal supplies water from the Cunene River at the Calueque Dam in southern Angola to Olushandja dam and the Oshakati water treatment plant. Mikka could not confirm reports of flooding in southern Angola, which could potentially put the northern part of Namibia at risk. According Angola’s State television station, the TPA, the central areas…

WINDHOEK, 11 JAN (NAMPA) – Although there has not been sufficient rain in the northern parts of the country, the water situation continues to be normal after the completion of the Omahenene-Olushandja water canal in December last year.

The 150-kilometre canal supplies water from the Cunene River at the Calueque Dam in southern Angola to Olushandja dam and the Oshakati water treatment plant.

The canal supplies water to Namibia’s northern regions.

In an interview with Nampa on Wednesday, Namwater Acting Head of Public Relations and Communication Michael Mikka said the Olushandja dam which could be dry by this time, is at 14,1 per cent full.

This canal was not only built to supply potable water for the Namibian population in this part of the country, but also to cater for irrigated agricultural production and livestock.

“The water is also assisting drought stricken communal farmers in the areas of Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions,” he said.

He indicated that the water situation countrywide is normal, saying that most of the dams are at above 70 per cent.

Mikka could not confirm reports of flooding in southern Angola, which could potentially put the northern part of Namibia at risk.

He said he has seen the videos circulating on social media about flooding in Ondjiva, however he could not confirm as the Namibia Meteorological Service would be assessing the situation.

According Angola’s State television station, the TPA, the central areas of the southern Cunene Province of Angola are flooded following recent heavy downpours. It reported that the huge mass of water that is currently flowing in the Oshanas in the Cuvelai basin towards Namibia, was last seen more than a decade ago when Angolan and Namibian towns and rural villages were flooded and thousands of people had to be evacuated to temporary shelters.

(NAMPA)

MMT/PS