The Erongo Regional Council last week officially broke ground on the long-awaited /Naras Water Pipeline Project, marking a significant step toward improving access to safe and reliable water for the Okombahe community in the Daures Constituency.
The /Naras water pipeline had existed for several years without delivering meaningful benefits to residents. The current phase of the project will focus on extending the pipeline and connecting it to a reliable water source, directly addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the area. Implementation will take place in phases, with the final phase set to include a bulk water storage reservoir, aimed at resolving water pressure problems and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The /Naras Water Pipeline Project is expected to play a key role in supporting rural development and improving quality of life in the Daures Constituency. Erongo Regional Governor Natalia |Goagoses reiterated government’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to water shortages in the region. “The /Naras water pipeline, installed during the 2023/2024 financial years, represents forward planning and responsible governance. This pipeline project has amounted to close to N$1 million, and about 60% of that funding went directly into the pockets of local communities, as this was a community-based project,” |Goagoses said. She added that the project sends a strong message of inclusion. “This is a clear signal that Okombahe matters, that rural communities in Daures matter, and that this council is committed.”
The governor further noted that water scarcity in Erongo remains a serious challenge, affecting livelihoods, settlement patterns and economic activity. She urged mining companies operating in the region to support water initiatives through corporate social responsibility, stressing that no community in Erongo should be left without access to water.
Daures Constituency Councillor Inecia Brandt said the project represents action rather than symbolism. “Infra-structure without impact is not development, and we demonstrated action,” Brandt said. She described the groundbreaking as a declaration of intent and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to accountability and inclusive development, emphasising that access to water is a basic human right. Erongo Regional Council Chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe highlighted the council’s role in service delivery and long-term planning. “Let us regard this groundbreaking not as the end, but as a promise that aligns with the Erongo Regional Council’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to remain committed to responsive governance, sustainable service delivery, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” Kanelombe said.
Residents of Okombahe welcomed the development, expressing hope that the project will finally bring lasting relief to a community that has endured persistent water shortages for many years.
By Rudi Bowe
