NAMIBIA has made great strides in its efforts to provide water to all its people, says the Counsellor for the Development Co-operation at the German Embassy in Windhoek.

Volker Oel said indicators show that Namibia has provided water to more than 95 per cent of people in urban areas and 75 per cent in rural areas.

He said the Government aims to improve these rates and to manage water resources according to principles of equity and sustainability in its National Development Plan 2 (NDP 2).

Oel made these remarks yesterday at the 9th Meeting of the German Technical Corporation (GTZ) Sector on Water and Waste in Africa South of the Sahara being held in the capital.

However, Oel said there are still a number of issues to be addressed, such as water wastage, full cost recovery and affordability.

He added that the effective management of water resources can only be achieved if a country has a clear picture of its resource base and water conditions.

It is against this background that the German government, through its Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, has supported the Namibian Government in exploring and mapping its groundwater resources.

This was carried out by the application of airborne geophysical methods to identify aquifers and salt water intrusions or to delineate contaminations of groundwater.

Oel said Germany has also been helping Namibia undertake a Water Resources Management Review with the aim of coming up with recommendations on how to achieve equitable access to and the sustainable development of freshwater resources by all sections of the population.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Samuel //Goagoseb, said despite financial constraints, Government will continue with its effort to provide potable water to the people.