By Victor Angula|
It is well-known that water is life. Water is life not only for humans, animals and for plants; it is also life for industries and communities.
The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) as the entity responsible for producing, or providing, or protecting this life, was seen at the ongoing Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
In order to get a bit of an understanding of the significance of the mammoth task on the shoulders of NamWater, Omutumwa visited its stall at the ongoing Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair where Mr Victor Angula (Omutumwa) sat down with Ms Esther Hatutale (NamWater) for a tête-à-tête.
Omutumwa: For the past few years NamWater has always been present at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair. This year the exhibition area of NamWater is even bigger. And some of the staff have even travelled all the way from Windhoek. Why do you take this trade fair so seriously?
NamWater: Actually the majority of the staff are from Oshakati’s NamWater office. The reason we are here is because we want to bring our services closer to the people. It’s convenient for the people to make payments for their water, or for reconnection or apply for connections. It’s also good for clients to meet face to face with the staff of NamWater because a lot of the time communication is done over the phone.
Also another important thing, people know that NamWater supplies water, but they don’t know the effort that goes into it before the water may be supplied. For instance people complain why the water is not supplied for free.
Omutumwa: So there is a lot of effort?
NamWater: Yes, there is a lot of effort. Such as chemicals to treat the water and remove dirt, to purify it and make it fit for human consumption.
NamWater HRDC also has a stall that side, where we are sharing information with the public on the opportunities available at NamWater HRDC.
So this is an opportunity to give information on what NamWater does for the country.
We also have the opportunity for job attachments. Today the Junior Mayor of Ongwediva spoke about the importance of investing more in the opportunities for the youth to access employment.
So at this moment applications are open. Forms can be downloaded online, completed and sent by courier. But we saw that this trade fair is a good platform, because not all people can afford to print the forms. While we are here a person can get a form and ask questions, complete it and hand it in. If successful, the person gets a six months contract. Applications for job attachments are closing on 27 August. So we encourage people to pay for their water, so that we can also play our part in corporate social investment.
Omutumwa: The NamWater Human Resource Development Centre VTC is the one which is based in Okahandja?
NamWater: Yes. Last year a lot of learners completed the forms here at the trade fair and handed them in here for sending to Windhoek.
We have various courses offered from Level 1 to Level 3. The intake per year is between 400 to 500. Recently we inaugurated new and expanded hostels, on 20 August at Okahandja, to accommodate more students.
Omutumwa: So the opportunities are there?
NamWater: Yes, opportunities are there. NamWater also gives bursaries. Usually the opportunities are open at the end of the year, from September, October, November. We put the information in the media.
We really want the Namibian child to apply. The courses at NamWater HRDC are covered by NASFAF. So this is a great opportunity. Not only an opportunity for one to work for NamWater, but also for those who may eventually come up with their own businesses and contribute to the Namibian economy and ecosystem.
Omutumwa: Water is life, but what is your overall impression for this trade fair in comparison to others across the country? How are you received or how is the engagement with the visitors who come at your stall?
NamWater: We are really satisfied with how we are received by the community here. Even when we engage, we are happy. It shows that the community is keen. The reception is very good. It doesn’t mean we will not do more, there is room for improvement. With schools, they can also get to visit our water treatment plant, so they get to understand careers we offer.
Omutumwa: You have changed your logo. A logo is your identity, so that you don’t really have to change your identify unless it is absolutely necessary. Why did you change your identity?
NamWater: Yes. With the initial logo, it just spoke to what we do – we provide bulk water. But there is a whole ecosystem, a community behind what we do. This new logo specifically indicates the community, and the importance of the various stakeholders in the water supply chain.
Omutumwa: Thank you.
NamWater: You are welcome.
In the photo: From left, Ms Panduleni Mbako, the Administration Assistant at NamWater, and Ms Esther Hatutale, NamWater’s Marketing Officer seen at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
