The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), in partnership with the African Centre for Technology Studies, has launched a research project focusing on water and sanitation challenges in Namibia.

Rundu Town Council is one of the beneficiaries of the research, which aims to address the town’s growing water crisis.

The project focuses on improving water utility governance, repurposing stormwater drains, and using AI technology to enhance water monitoring and civic engagement.

“This what we are doing is part of promotion of science, promotion of the application of technology so that we can make our lives more efficient and more relevant to what is happening,” said Mubiana Katukula, NCRST’s Manager for Research Mobilization. “After NCRST funds this research, recommendations are provided—it's now up to the receiving institution to know how to use the outcomes of that research.”

The research began in September last year and is expected to conclude by the end of next month.

Rundu Town Council CEO Olavi Nathanael highlighted the urgent need for intervention, revealing that water supply is at about 870 cubic meters per hour while demand stands at 1,400 cubic meters per hour. Aging infrastructure is also contributing to the crisis.

He added that nearly 30 percent of water is lost due to illegal connections, pipe leaks, and hot weather.

“We are very excited. If you take a look at the recommendations, it speaks to what needs to happen,” Nathanael said. “It speaks to inserting software for us to identify… we want to know where is the problem. Because now we just know there is high water loss, but we don’t know where exactly it is.”

He also said the council is currently engaging the community to pay their utilities, which will help the council meet the needs of residents.

Dr. Kevin Ouko from the African Centre for Technology Studies said he is pleased with the research outcomes.

Similar studies were also carried out at Ongwediva Town Council and the Municipality of Windhoek.