What’s in a name? . . . Water

There are many farm names in Namibia with the word ‘water’ in them, showing how precious this resource is, especially in an arid land.

Lekker Water, Rooi Water, Lau Water, Swart Water, Sonder Water, Geel Water, Geluk Water, Tiefwasser (Deep Water), Springbokwasser . . . And there are many others with the words ‘fontein’ or ‘drift’ in them.

Water on a property was valued even more in the days before drilling machines when a spring on the property was a life-giving blessing.

Early inhabitants often gave places a name with the word ‘water’ in it, like ‘/Ai-/Ais’ (Very Hot), referring to the hot spring, and the oldest recorded name for Windhoek, ‘/Ai-//gams’, ‘Fire Water’.

Water remains a precious resource to be used sparingly and to be deeply appreciated by all.