THE Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) on Friday handed over reverse osmosis units installed at the three community water points at farm Vrede, Goeigeluk Pos, and Santamab Pos in the Daures constituency in the Erongo region.
According to a statement from the EIF, these technologically advanced facilities, which cost N$1 million, will contribute massively to improving the livelihoods of the communities at the three communal farms.
EIF chief operations officer Karl Aribeb, speaking on behalf of Benedict Libanda, chief executive officer, said: “The simple and straight-forward aim is to relieve the communities of these three communal farms from the plight of this hard water. This small initiative contributes to a broader goal for achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.”
Aribeb said Namibia is a water-scarce country and ranks among the 30 driest countries in the world.
“It is against this background that I would like to urge all stakeholders and implementing partners of this project to ensure that the little water we have is conserved, respected, shared and enjoyed by present and future generations in our country.”
Erongo governor Neville Andre said: “I am confident that the new water-softening systems that we are handing over to the communities here today will ensure not only easy access to water, but an efficient and regular water-supply system for the whole community.”
He said the three water facilities are the result of a concerted effort in addressing climate change at local level. These facilities are expected to impact many beneficiaries, including small-scale farmers in the area.
“In the process, they will improve sanitation and hygiene, and serve as a platform for rural economic emancipation to many households in the Daures constituency.
“For the reasons outlined above, you will agree with me that these facilities will contribute to poverty eradication in the constituency through increasing the resilience of our vulnerable rural communities to the impacts of climate change,” the governor said.
Headman Benjamin Naruseb, who spoke on behalf of Benitha Imbamba, the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, commended the EIF for its concerted efforts and dedication to mobilising the necessary resources towards achieving national and regional priorities and objectives, and for organising the event.
“This is a reflection of the reality that communities living within Namibia’s rural communal areas are at the centre of government planning. We highly appreciate your efforts and accept the funding immensely,” he said.
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