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NamWater considers reopening taps for irrigation scheme

Namwater is considering re-opening taps for the Hardap irrigation scheme outside Mariental.

The Hardap Dam’s level increased from 5.5% to 16.4% following recent rainfall, which NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata describes as an improved but still precarious situation.

He says NamWater’s technical team, led by its hydrology section, is currently calculating whether it would be possible to supply producers with water for some months.

Hardap irrigation scheme farmers last week sent a proposal to NamWater, asking the state-owned enterprise to reopen the taps based on the inflow received in the dam, but at a reduced irrigation rate of 80%.

This can only be done, says Ndamanomhata, if NamWater’s calculations show the dam can ensure a secure drinking water supply for the town and surrounding communities for at least two rainy seasons.

“Despite the marginal increase in dam levels, the water remains insufficient to meet both potable and irrigation needs sustainably under current conditions.

NamWater works on the principle that water reserves must be sufficient to supply uninterrupted water for two rainy seasons without any [further] inflow.

“If this is not feasible, one or more demands must be suppressed, with irrigation typically being the first option to ensure potable water supply remains secure,” says Ndamanomhata.

In October 2024, NamWater suspended irrigation water supply to prioritise potable and livestock water needs.

This was to ensure adequate reserves until the projected dry run date of February 2026, given the ongoing drought conditions.

The decision impacted the Hardap irrigation scheme, the livelihoods of more than 350 employees who were retrenched and, indirectly, about 1 100 family members who were under the care of those employees. During that time, the Mariental municipality relocated about 80 households back to Mariental from the scheme to provide them with erven.

Chairperson of the Hardap irrigation scheme Dawie de Klerk says all the Hardap irrigation scheme farmers, the Aimab Superfarm, Namibia Dairies and other stakeholders met on Thursday to make recommendations on the water needs for the coming season.

De Klerk says they formulated a proposal to irrigate 80% of their fields this season starting as early as possible, with a 20% restriction on water supply.

“That decision was based on the fact that there is a full rainy season starting beginning of February, so it would be wise not to irrigate 100% but with a restriction in order to secure potable water for all the industries and the town, as well as for the period up to the next rainy season in 2026,” says De Klerk.

He says this could save about 200 jobs.

Lot Ndamanomhata

The mayor of Mariental, Cherien Kock, welcomes the reconsideration by NamWater.

“This will definitely ease the pressure the town is facing with unemployment and poverty.

Our economy needs a boost and every bit of job provision helps for our people,” says Kock.

Ndamanomhata says, in making such a decision, NamWater must consider the current water levels in the dam, rain and inflow projections, and the government-imposed moratorium to keep Hardap Dam’s capacity capped at 70%.

He acknowledged the critical role the Hardap irrigation scheme plays in supporting agricultural producers and the local economy, while reiterating NamWater’s commitment to managing water resources responsibly and balancing the needs of agricultural producers, residents and the broader economy.

“The decision to resume irrigation water supply will depend on thorough consultations with stakeholders, a comprehensive analysis of water availability, and an updated assessment of potential inflows.

NamWater will communicate any updates as soon as calculations and discussions with stakeholders have been concluded. In the meantime, we urge all stakeholders to remain diligent in conserving water,” says the spokesperson.

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