Oshakati urges govt to revive flood project

The Oshakati town council has issued a plea to government to revive the town’s flood mitigation project, which came to an abrupt stop years ago.Oshakati&#039;s chief executive officer, Timoteus Namwandi, urged Oshana governor Elia Irimari to remind government that the idle project could help address the annual flood problem."The mitigation project died a natural death. But governor, please help us get this message across. We have not been receiving favourable feedback from finance. The project needs to be revived so that it can be completed to avoid the severity of flood water on our town," Namwandi said during a meeting between the governor and Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa officials on Monday.Paused solutionNamwandi said about N$200 million has so far been pumped into the project, and that the construction of the Okatana Bridge and the traffic circle on the northern fringes of Oshakati have been completed.At the time of the project&#039;s proposal, it was estimated that the entire project would require an estimated N$2 billion investment.The figure is expected to change due to the escalating cost of materials as well as inflationary factors.The deepening and lining of the Okatana River systems are part of the project to rid Oshakati of flood waters once and for all.Under this plan, only the servicing of land at Ekaku and Onawa has taken place.Annual problemIrimari affirmed that he will engage relevant government stakeholders to find a permanent solution for those living in floodplains at Oshakati."It is like a fun fair game. Every year, when the flood comes, we rush to relocate people. Let’s get a lasting solution to Oshakati," the governor said.At least 18 schools face closure in the Ohangwena Region, with an affected population of over 8 000, due to the floods in the northern region over the past few weeks.So far, 11 schools have shut their doors, sending 4 000 learners home.In the Oshana Region, four schools closed due to floods.More on its wayAgriculture minister Calle Schlettwein warned earlier this month that a second flood wave is expected to hit the country, which will likely bring more destruction to the regions.By Sunday, 228 people living in Ehenye Extension 12 in Oshakati were due to be relocated as a result of flooding.The flood mitigation project was launched in 2014 under the leadership of former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

Oshakati urges govt to revive flood project

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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Oshakati urges govt to revive flood project

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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