Namibia minister issues groundwater warning

Namibia is experiencing a serious drought, with the lowest run-off recorded in the past 100 years. This is an indication that groundwater resources would become less reliable in future.

- Annelie Coleman

Speaking at the World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, Namibia's Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Calle Schlettwein said this would have a negative impact on food security, health, hygiene and prosperity.

"As predicted, this will be a recurring phenomenon, albeit more frequent and more severe in magnitude. Overall underdevelopment, debt overburdening and the resultant lack of fiscal space in developing and middle-Namibia has put income economies make required development of water and sanitation infrastructure in those countries more difficult, if not impossible," he stated.