A key milestone of the Co-HYDIM-SA project is the design and implementation of an early warning information system to enhance water security in the Cuvelai-Cunene basin. This system, the Cuvelai Basin Early Warning & Information System (CUVEWIS), will be developed in close collaboration with stakeholders, following a co-design and co-production approach.
To initiate the process, a fact-finding field trip was organized on October 3, 2024, to the Cuvelai-Cunene basin, situated in the Namibia-Angola border. During the trip, Mr. Hango, the area hydrologist, shared valuable insights into the water-related challenges faced by local communities. He highlighted the seasonal flooding that affects much of the northern Namibian plains which are downstream, particularly during the rainy season. As the team visited various water level and weather stations, Mr. Hango discussed the region’s data-related issues, including the limited number of monitoring stations, the need for maintenance, and the occasional damage or destruction of equipment by local communities. He expressed a strong desire for additional gauges to generate the data necessary for developing systems like CUVEWIS.
In addition to the technical discussions, the field team met with local residents, led by their community leaders, to better understand their water-related needs and concerns. This dialogue is essential to ensure that the CUVEWIS system is designed to address the specific challenges faced by the local communities.