NamWater embarks on N$1-billion projects

The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has embarked on four major projects to drive socio-economic development at a cost of more than N$1 billion.

NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata yesterday said the projects are at Henties Bay, Ondangwa, Eenhana and Rundu.

The groundbreaking ceremonies for the projects were officiated by the minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, between May and July.

According to NamWater, only 87% of Namibia’s population has access to potable water.

“These projects are set to close the 13% gap in water access, enhancing public health, supporting economic activities and improving the quality of life for all Namibians,” Ndamanomhata said.

He said the Henties Bay project involves the replacement of a critical 5km section of the pipeline from the Omdel aquifer to the town’s reservoir at a cost of N$15 million.

“This initiative will ensure reliable water supply for the Henties Bay area,” the statement said.

Ndamanomhata said the Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime bulk water supply project is undergoing a vital upgrade to satisfy increasing demand for water and address frequent supply interruptions.

“Phase 1 of the project, costing N$91 million and fully funded by NamWater, focuses on replacing a 17km stretch from Ondangwa to Oshali.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in June, Schlettwein said: “Spanning approximately 110km, this scheme conveys potable water from Ondangwa, traversing through Omuthiya and culminating in the Omutsegwonime village.

“Notably, this water supply infrastructure is strategic in nature as it serves as a lifeline for two regions, being the Oshana and the Oshikoto regions, respectively,” he said.

For the Ohangwena II Wellfield water supply scheme, Ndamanomhata said NamWater launched a project in collaboration with the government and the African Development Bank as part of the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme to enhance water infrastructure of Eenhana and surroundings.

This project, costing about N$250 million, is to boost the water supply capacity and ensure a sustainable, reliable source of clean water for the Ohangwena region.

“It includes equipping boreholes, installing a reverse osmosis purification plant and constructing vital infrastructure,” he said.

According to NamWater, N$665 million had been invested in the Rundu Water Treatment plant extension and associated works project, funded under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme.

This project aims to enhance the water supply capacity of the Kavango East and Kavango West regions through a new raw water abstraction system, an advanced treatment plant and upgrades to the existing water supply scheme.

Officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony two months ago, Schlettwein said as one of the fastest-growing towns in Namibia, Rundu has faced increasing strain on its water supply and the new project aims to address the issue comprehensively.

NamWater has also committed to extending and upgrading the Outapi water treatment works at a cost of N$123,18 million, Ndamanomhata said.

“This initiative will expand the plant’s capacity to meet the growing water demand at Outapi and surrounding areas, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply,” he said.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na