Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has stressed that Namibia will remain in control of how its water resources are assessed, extracted and used, amid the involvement of Chinese experts in the country’s groundwater programme.

The issue arose after Official Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Immanuel Nashinge asked for the agreement with development partners to be tabled before the National Assembly.

Nashinge also sought clarity on the specifications, human resources and the role of government officials, as well as what would happen after the boreholes are completed, including the partners' future responsibilities.

Dr Ngurare explained that identifying areas in need of water is a government responsibility, with the Department of Water Affairs handling water supply and water resources management.

The water management function conducts assessments to determine the availability of underground water, while support from development partners is intended to complement work already identified by Namibia.

Addressing concerns about the involvement of experts, Dr Ngurare stressed that they would not dictate how or when water is extracted or how water is used.

He also noted that any discovery of minerals during water exploration would fall under the Namibian authorities.