Salesian Entity Facilitates Access to Clean Water at Catholic Institution in Namibia

“The lack of water often canceled classes and other programs at the Don Bosco Center,” officials of the Salesian entity say.

To address this crisis, they say, “Funding was provided for a 10,000-liter (2,641 gallon) water tank to avoid water interruptions that often last up to two weeks.”

“The water tank, which has a lifespan of up to 15 years and can hold two weeks’ worth of water, was constructed at the center and connects to the school’s water supply line,” Salesian Missions officials say.

They note that “a new water pump is helping the school to automatically pump water in the tank, improve water pressure, and save money, time, and energy.”

In the report, Fr. Louis Malama has been quoted as saying, “This new water tank and pump relieve the school management from the burden of going down to the river that is about 50 minutes away from the center to get water or suspend learning for such a lengthy period.” 

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The Catholic Priest who oversaw the implementation of the initiative adds, the water supply “saves the school time, money, and energy to ensure that a learning environment is maintained and is continuous for the children attending the school and others attending the center’s programs.”

According to the World Bank, Namibia is just one of nine countries in Africa considered as upper middle income, but poverty is still prevalent with extreme wealth imbalances. 

Namibia’s poverty rate is 32 percent with an unemployment rate of 29.6 percent, a report by Trading Economics indicates.

The same report shows that poverty in the Southwestern African nation is acute in the Northern regions of Kavango, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kunene and Ohangwena, where upwards of one-third of the population lives in poverty. HIV prevalence in the country is 16.9 percent, the report indicates.

In the March 29 report, SDB officials say, “Salesian programs across Namibia are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study.”

They add, “Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.