Usakos Town CEO Challenges Water Rationing as Infrastructure Issue

The CEO of the Usakos Town Council, Lesley Goraseb, has responded to recent water rationing measures enforced by NamWater, clarifying that the situation is not attributable to unpaid water bills by residents. Instead, Goraseb emphasizes that the crisis is primarily due to aging infrastructure, which has affected the reliability of the water supply to the town. Goraseb’s remarks were made during a detailed discussion regarding the challenges faced by the town in meeting the water needs of its residents. He pointed out that while towns across Namibia face similar issues due to infrastructural decay, Usakos' situation is particularly concerning as it affects daily life and economic activities. Citizens have expressed frustration over periodic shortages and difficulties in accessing enough water for household use. According to Goraseb, the town's water supply and management strategies must be evaluated to address the underlying causes of the shortages. He urges residents to understand that the rationing is not punishment for outstanding debts but rather a necessary response to a failing system that requires urgent attention and repair. His insights come as part of broader discussions on how local governments can work with national entities like NamWater to improve service delivery. The Town Council is reportedly exploring options for upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of water management systems. Goraseb insists that a collaborative approach with NamWater is essential to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of water moving forward. As the situation evolves, both officials and residents are hoping for swift action to remedy the infrastructure problems so that Usakos can return to a state of reliable water access. The local government is poised to advocate for resources necessary to tackle the aging water systems, aiming for sustainable solutions that will prevent future rationing incidents. In summary, while the rationing measures have raised alarms among the populace, Goraseb maintains that the cause is rooted in infrastructural challenges and not customer negligence, and he calls for community support as they navigate these pressing issues.