The Omusati Regional Governor Immanuel Shikongo has commissioned a community prepaid water point in Olyonime Village, Ruacana Constituency recently.

The project is funded by the Omusati Regional Governor's Office at a cost of N$164,000.

It included 31 water pipes covering 3.5 kilometers and 16 bags of cement, as well as a water meter.

The Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination in the Omusati Region also provided a water tank and a water trough for livestock.

Omusati Regional Governor Immanuel Shikongo stated that the commissioning of the pipeline demonstrates the government's commitment to improving access to clean water for communities.

“Today, as we commission this pipeline, we affirm that access to clean water is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of development. This project is a clear testimony that government delivers on its promises. This reflects our determination to improve the living conditions of our people and to ensure that no community is left behind.”

The Head of the Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination, Moses Tjikundi, explained that the directorate will assist communities in addressing outstanding water debts while emphasising the importance of community cooperation in resolving the challenge.

“The DWSS will be rendering support in order to settle water debt here. And your support as a community and your coordination are playing a vital role to pay off the debt, as with any other pipelines.”

Tjikundi further called on community members to report water leakages and any acts of vandalism on pipelines, saying such incidents result in significant financial losses.

Olyonime Headman Tshiwana Tjikokolo highlighted that swift intervention by the Office of the Governor helped address the community's water crisis after residents raised concerns over the lack of water supply.

“As the headman of Olyonime, we held a meeting with the community to address the water crisis caused by the lack of water supply. We then submitted an urgent request, and the Office of the Governor responded swiftly by calling me to collect the materials. Our water point was installed within a period of not more than a month.”