A rising tide of theft and vandalism of public property is crippling development in the Okavango District, hampering the government’s ability to provide essential services to local communities.
According to a report by the Okavango District Development Committee (DDC), the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) recorded a significant spike in infrastructure damage during the third quarter. Targeted items included pipelines, public standpipes, and critical electrical components at boreholes. The Sepopa–Gumare water transmission pipeline was identified as one of the hardest-hit areas.
The consequences of these acts are stark. The district recorded a staggering 44% water loss during the quarter, meaning nearly half of all treated water leaked or was diverted before reaching consumers. While ageing infrastructure and leaks contributed to the loss, officials cited vandalism as a primary driver. These disruptions have led to massive revenue losses for WUC and left numerous villages facing chronic water shortages.
WUC officials noted that the financial burden is two-fold: funds originally earmarked for expanding services to new areas are now being diverted to repair and replace stolen equipment.
The crisis extends beyond water supply. In Mohembo, the village’s Wi-Fi Park—designed to provide youth with internet access for job hunting and studies—has been rendered useless after critical equipment was stolen. The facility remains shut indefinitely until replacements can be secured.
Agriculture, the backbone of the local economy, has also been targeted. In Qangwa, theft of irrigation drippers has stalled cluster garden projects, while similar vandalism was reported in Ngarange. These setbacks have been further compounded by the suspension of Government Purchase Orders (GPOs), which has delayed the procurement of replacement parts.
However, humans are not the only threat to infrastructure. Kauxwi–Xakao Councillor, Television France, reported that a water tank in Kaputura—previously used to supply livestock—was destroyed by elephants searching for water. The incident has left local farmers without a reliable water source, intensifying the regional crisis.
Addressing these challenges remains a logistical nightmare. The vast geography of the Okavango District, coupled with a shortage of patrol vehicles, makes it nearly impossible for authorities to monitor remote infrastructure or respond quickly to reports of vandalism.
