N$5m to replace stolen borehole equipment
The agriculture ministry had to fork out more than N$5 million during the just-ended financial year to replace equipment stolen from 51 boreholes that government had installed in the Zambezi, Kunene and Ohangwena regions.
The amount is said to be much higher had statistics from all regions been provided to the head office at the time of an enquiry into the matter by Namibia Media Holdings.
Furthermore, farmers who have procured and installed boreholes at their own cost are not spared from what government has described as the workings of criminal syndicates.
The statistics were provided by agriculture ministry spokesperson Jona Musheko, who said the theft of borehole equipment is getting out of hand and needs to be addressed urgently.
There are reports of arrests made by the police.
Water challenges worsened
During the 2023/2024 financial year, about 15 borehole water pumps were stolen in the Ohangwena Region, 17 in the Zambezi Region and 19 in the Kunene Region.
These regions are among those where potable water remains a significant challenge.
It is reported that criminals targeting the boreholes sell their loot on the black market.
It costs government approximately N$80 000 to replace a borehole water pump and a further N$20 000 to install it.
Apart from borehole pumps, criminals reportedly also target solar panels.
“The theft of water pumps and solar panels at water points is very concerning. This act is not only in one region but it is present in most regions,” Musheko said.
He said these crimes are hampering efforts to provide water to rural areas.
“As we continue to set up more water facilities, we urge community members to really see these facilities as their own, guard them and ensure that no vandalism nor theft is taking place," he said.
“We are very certain there is a demand for these items and we would like to warn those buying stolen items to desist from such. We will continue working closely with the Namibian Police to ensure culprits are brought to book," Musheko added.
By June last year, Kavango West had to replace about 15 stolen water pumps.
The theft of borehole parts forces residents to travel long distances to get water from boreholes or wells further away. Some people risk accessing contaminated water from the Kavango River.
Last weekend, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, speaking during the handover of new boreholes in the Ohangwena Region, called upon communities to safeguard the boreholes and avoid vandalism.
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The amount is said to be much higher had statistics from all regions been provided to the head office at the time of an enquiry into the matter by Namibia Media Holdings.
Furthermore, farmers who have procured and installed boreholes at their own cost are not spared from what government has described as the workings of criminal syndicates.
The statistics were provided by agriculture ministry spokesperson Jona Musheko, who said the theft of borehole equipment is getting out of hand and needs to be addressed urgently.
There are reports of arrests made by the police.
Water challenges worsened
During the 2023/2024 financial year, about 15 borehole water pumps were stolen in the Ohangwena Region, 17 in the Zambezi Region and 19 in the Kunene Region.
These regions are among those where potable water remains a significant challenge.
It is reported that criminals targeting the boreholes sell their loot on the black market.
It costs government approximately N$80 000 to replace a borehole water pump and a further N$20 000 to install it.
Apart from borehole pumps, criminals reportedly also target solar panels.
“The theft of water pumps and solar panels at water points is very concerning. This act is not only in one region but it is present in most regions,” Musheko said.
He said these crimes are hampering efforts to provide water to rural areas.
“As we continue to set up more water facilities, we urge community members to really see these facilities as their own, guard them and ensure that no vandalism nor theft is taking place," he said.
“We are very certain there is a demand for these items and we would like to warn those buying stolen items to desist from such. We will continue working closely with the Namibian Police to ensure culprits are brought to book," Musheko added.
By June last year, Kavango West had to replace about 15 stolen water pumps.
The theft of borehole parts forces residents to travel long distances to get water from boreholes or wells further away. Some people risk accessing contaminated water from the Kavango River.
Last weekend, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, speaking during the handover of new boreholes in the Ohangwena Region, called upon communities to safeguard the boreholes and avoid vandalism.
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