Water marshals in Namibia will be appointed to run public institutions in view of the water shortage that Namibia is facing.
In a media statement issued to the media recently, acting permanent secretary in the ministry of agriculture Sophia Kasheeta said Cabinet has approved a memorandum for a water saving campaign.
She added that water marshals, who will be selected amongst staff, will be mandated for detecting and fixing leaks, as well as offering overall support to the national water saving campaign
“The ministry and its partners have joined forces, and will embark on a national water saving campaign, targeting public institutions such as government offices, schools, hospitals and correctional service centres, starting in Windhoek, and later on the campaign will be rolled out into the whole country.”
Namibia is currently facing an acute shortage of water as a result of the sustained drought that has hit the country over the past three years that led to President Hage Geingob declaring a state of emergency in June this year.
Poor rainfall recorded since the 2013/2014 rainy season has led to the three dams supplying water to the capital (Omatako, Von Bach and Swakoppoort) nearly empty.
Going by the most recent dam water levels report that was issued by NamWater on 19 September, ; Von Bach stood at 17,9% full capacity; ,Swakoppoort at 7,9% full capacity and Omatako at 0,0%.
It is predicated that Windhoek be without water by December 2016 if something urgent is not done to conserve the precious resource.
Two marshals will be employed at each of the government institution to offer education to all users on the importance of wise use of water and proper maintenance of water resources
This campaign will run for two years, and end in September 2018.
