The Namibian government is developing an integrated bulk water system along the Namibian coast to improve water distribution.
This was announced by agriculture, water and land reform minister Calle Schlettwein at the commissioning of two water projects for Henties Bay, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund on Thursday.
The Henties Bay project is an extension and upgrade (Phase 1) to modernise the town’s supply infrastructure.
“With a population that swells, for the ability to satisfy demand during peak tourism seasons, for planned industrial development, the need for a secure water supply has never been more pressing,” Schlettwein said.
The Henties Bay project involves the replacement of a five-kilometre pipeline and the upgrade of existing infrastructure.
The minister said the timely completion of this project will enable the town to grow without the fear of water scarcity, improving quality of life and supporting sustainable economic development.
“Henties Bay is supplied from several water sources within the region and what happens here will impact on the situation in, for instance, Walvis Bay or Swakopmund,” he said.
The second project was the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement (Phase 3).
“This project involves the replacement of outdated pipeline systems with modern, robust infrastructure that will significantly improve water supply to the critical coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and surrounding areas,” he said.
According to Schlettwein, the two projects are part of the wholesale transitioning, modernisation and upgrading of bulk water infrastructure for the west coast area to be fit for purpose until 2037.
The coastal towns draw water from the Omdel aquifer and well field, the Kaiser Delta aquifer and the Orano desalination plant. Very soon, they will be supplied from the second desalination plant at Wlotzkasbaken as well, Schlettwein said.
“Through developing an integrated bulk water infrastructure, we have achieved greater security of supply and resilience in supplying safe water to all citizens of the west coast, where fresh water is extremely scarce.”
Schlettwein urged the town councils to diligently work on replacing the old water infrastructure to minimise the water losses.
“These projects will not only enhance the local water supply systems but also create jobs and foster skills development, ensuring that Namibians benefit,” he added.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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