Namibia is one of the driest countries in Africa, frequently experiencing annual droughts that lead to water shortages for both people and animals nationwide, causing significant livestock losses. In Machita, a vulnerable community in the Zambezi Region, residents often had to walk long distances to purchase water from neighboring villages or rely on wells. Over the past few years, the community has been using rainwater harvested from rooftops, but as climate change has led to shorter rainy seasons and unpredictable rainfall patterns, water availability has become even more unreliable. To address this crisis, an existing hand-pump borehole in Machita was rehabilitated to enhance water access, security, and sustainability.

A collaborative effort between the Machita community and Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform led to the selection and rehabilitation of two boreholes. The work was carried out by external contractors who also tested each site to ensure there was adequate water supply. The project converted the existing hand-pump boreholes into solar-powered systems, installing three 380-watt solar panels to operate each borehole’s submersible pump—enhancing the project’s environmental sustainability.

One borehole was equipped with a 10,000-liter water tank to store water and ensure availability in case of malfunctions, while the second borehole received two 10,000-liter tanks. Each borehole was also equipped with taps and troughs for livestock to use, ensuring water security for household and agricultural use. To protect these vital water sources from wildlife and intruders, fences with locks were installed. Additionally, some community members relocated closer to the boreholes to help ensure their security. A borehole committee, composed of local community members, was also formed to oversee the long-term sustainability and management of the water sources.