‘Water for all, forever’

It is a profound honour and privilege to stand before you today at the commissioning of the Kayengona and Shamvhura water supply river schemes. 

This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our government and NamWater to addressing the essential needs of our communities, particularly here in the Kavango East region.

The Namibian government has consistently demonstrated its dedication to ensuring all citizens have access to quality water supply that meets national standards for both quantity and quality. 

These efforts align with our national strategic objectives as outlined in National Development Plan 5 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP II), with a vision towards 2030.

Water is life. It sustains us, nourishes our communities, and drives our development. The power of water as a catalyst for development cannot be overstated. It is essential for health, agriculture, industry, and overall socio-economic growth. Without access to a clean and reliable water supply, our aspirations for progress and prosperity would remain unfulfilled

The Kayengona and Shamvhura water supply river schemes represent a strategic intervention designed to address critical water supply and quality challenges in the Kavango East region. This project, which includes the design, manufacture, supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of filtration plants for both Kayengona and Shamvhura, is a significant investment. 

The total investment amounts to N$5 208 850, with the Kayengona filtration plant costing N$2 483 432 and the Shamvhura filtration plant N$2 725 418. These investments highlight our shared commitment to enhancing water infrastructure and ensuring reliable water services for our people.

Commencing in September 2023 and concluding in July 2024, this project was executed within the stipulated time frame. The schemes were commissioned and handed over to NamWater from 22 to 24 July 2024, marking the beginning of a new era of water supply for our region.

The primary objective of this initiative was to resolve persistent water supply and quality issues faced by the communities of Kayengona and Shamvhura. These areas, historically reliant on boreholes, have experienced exponential population growth, resulting in increased water demand and quality concerns, particularly with high turbidity and iron levels in Shamvhura. 

This project aligns with our commitment to comply with the Water Resource Management Act of 2013 and ensures the provision of safe and potable water.

The newly constructed filtration systems, designed to produce water with a turbidity of no more than 0.5 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU), are now delivering water with an impressive quality of 0.19 NTU. Additionally, the flow capacity has significantly increased from 15 m³/h to 40 m³/h, effectively meeting the rising water demands of these growing communities.

The filtration systems at both Kayengona and Shamvhura use advanced treatment processes, including river floating pumps, chemical dosing (coagulation), dual media filters, blowers, and disinfection systems. While Kayengona employs chlorine gas for disinfection, Shamvhura uses sodium hypochlorite. These systems ensure both schemes deliver water of the highest quality, addressing the long-standing water challenges faced by our communities.

The successful completion of this project not only meets the immediate water supply needs, but also enhances overall compliance with national water quality standards. More importantly, it brings transformative change to the livelihoods of the people in Kavango East. 

Access to clean, safe, and reliable water is fundamental to health, economic development, and social well-being. This project will have far-reaching positive impacts, from improved public health to increased agricultural productivity and overall community upliftment.

Just over a month ago, on 1 July 2024, I had the honour of witnessing the groundbreaking of the Rundu water treatment plant extension and associated works, a project valued at N$665 million. This monumental undertaking is another vital component of our broader strategy to enhance water infrastructure in our region. The Rundu water treatment plant, once completed, will further bolster our capacity to provide reliable and high-quality water services, supporting both urban and rural communities.

These projects, including today’s commissioning and the Rundu groundbreaking, reflect the government’s steadfast commitment to bringing water closer to our people. I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to NamWater for its relentless efforts to ensure that there is ‘Water for All, Forever’ across Namibia. 

NamWater’s vision aligns perfectly with our national goals of sustainable development and improved living standards for all Namibians.

The Kayengona and Shamvhura water supply river schemes are part of a larger, integrated water management system that NamWater is implementing nationwide. 

This system aims to secure a sustainable water supply for the current and future generations, ensuring our nation thrives in the face of increasing demand and environmental challenges.

For the people of Kavango East, and indeed for all Namibians, access to potable water means improved health, greater economic opportunities, and an enhanced quality of life. NamWater has achieved a notable milestone in its dedication to enhancing water supply infrastructure, ensuring that these two projects were completed in a timely manner. 

It is encouraging to see NamWater’s commitment to improved service delivery, which increases customer satisfaction. However, we must also recognise the significant costs associated with infrastructure development, construction, and water treatment.

Therefore, we should not only appreciate the services provided by NamWater, but also individually contribute by paying for the water services provided to us. When you pay your water bill, you are directly contributing to Namibia’s development, and you should take pride in your role.

The Kayengona and Shamvhura water supply river schemes will foster social and economic advancement by recognising that water, both in quantity and quality, is a critical component of all socio-economic activities. 

As we officially commission the Kayengona and Shamvhura water supply river schemes today, let this moment be a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration, dedication, and strategic vision. These projects symbolise hope, progress, and a brighter future for our communities.

As we celebrate the commissioning of the Kayengona and Shamvhura water supply river schemes, let us recognise the collective efforts that have made this possible. Let us acknowledge the crucial role of government interventions and the dedication of NamWater in ensuring sustainable water supply. 

Most importantly, let us look forward to a future where every Namibian has access to the water they need to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

With these remarks, I hereby officially commission the Kayengona and Shamvhura filtration plants. May this endeavour bring about positive transformation and enhanced access to water resources for the Kayengona and Shamvhura communities and surrounding areas.

Thank you all for being part of this significant occasion. 

Together, we are building a brighter, more prosperous future for the Kavango East and all of Namibia. – Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo at commissioning of the Kayengona and Shamvhura water filtration plants in the Kavango East region, 20 September 2024.