Desalination plant construction set for January

The construction of a new desalination plant has been approved to address rising water demands driven by uranium mining.

It will also deal with industrial expansion and population growth in the Erongo region.

This was announced by agriculture, water and land reform minister Calle Schlettwein at the Land Development Conference in Henties Bay last week.

According to Schlettwein, the new plant will provide 20 million cubic metres of water annually.

“With the ambitious development plans for Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, alongside increased mining, industrial and agricultural demands, our current water resources are insufficient,” Schlettwein said.

Currently, the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) relies on the Omdel and Kuiseb Delta aquifers and the existing Orano desalination plant

“These sources, collectively providing just under 30 million cubic metres annually, have reached their sustainable limits, necessitating the construction of a new facility,” said Schlettwein.

He added that construction for the new plant is set to begin in January 2025, with completion anticipated by early 2027.

“This initiative is not just about meeting immediate water needs, it is a strategic move to position Namibia as a leader in sustainable water management. The new plant will ensure a secure and reliable water supply, crucial for supporting the region’s economic activities and enhancing the quality of life of residents,” said Schlettwein.

According to a statement issued by NamWater, the project comes after the completion of a feasibility study for a desalination plant and water transfer system in 2021, funded by the German government through KfW.

The study evaluated various scenarios for water supply, including options to extend supply to Windhoek and potentially Botswana.

NamWater was appointed as the project executing agency, with assistance from the private sector.

In 2023, NamWater proposed a joint venture with Swakop Uranium, the largest water consumer in Erongo, to develop the plant.

Two weeks ago, NamWater chief executive Abraham Nehemia said NamWater and the Husab Mine are set to achieve financial closure for the planned N$3 billion coastal desalination project by year end.

The joint venture will see the Husab Mine funding the construction of the project.

“The partnership is a joint venture and the financial backing from Husab is crucial as it helps us avoid the need to mobilise N$3 billion. We are also mobilising our resources to contribute to our share in the project,” said Nehemia.

He further said the plant would initially address coastal water needs, with future expansions extending supply to Windhoek and Gaborone.

“Swakop Uranium, as the largest consumer of water in the region, was identified as the strategic partner for this project,” said Schlettwein.

“Legal due diligence was carried out to confirm the viability of this partnership,” he added.