NamWater plant sparks environmental concerns at Rundu

Omashare Hotel at Rundu says the construction of a Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) purification plant on the banks of the Okavango River threatens its business and the surrounding river ecosystem.

Twelve open-water treatment purification dams are being constructed directly opposite the hotel.

The hotel management says the project began without consultation, however, NamWater maintains that stakeholder engagements were held.

The hotel’s general manager, Mauro Rosa, says no environmental impact assessment (EIA) was shared with the affected parties before construction began in January.

“We were never informed or called to a meeting to discuss how this project might affect our business,” he says.

Rosa says the project could increase pollution near the river and its landscape.

“Water purification uses chemicals, and there will be constant noise from pumps running day and night. That means odours, vibrations, and industrial activity right at our doorstep.” he says.

Omashare Hotel has been in operation for more than 25 years and is one of Rundu’s oldest hospitality establishments.

It generates an annual revenue of N$6 million turnover per year and employs 30 people.

Rosa fears declining property value, as the plant will obstruct the river’s view and the Angolan town of Kalai, which is an attraction point.

The hotel has proposed that NamWater buy the property as part of its expansion plan, allowing it to relocate.

“It’s a fair solution, they can use this land, buy us out, and we can reinvest elsewhere,” he says.

On Thursday, NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata declined detailed comment, saying the company would only respond to written questions.

He maintained that prior stakeholder engagements were held and that a water plant cannot threaten a business.

“Prior stakeholders engagements were held at Rundu before the project commenced. There’s always engagement before any project begins,” Ndamanomhata said.

NamWater received an EIA in 2022 to upgrade the existing water supply schemes at Rundu and Nkarapamwe.

This also included the construction of a new water treatment plant at Rundu with a capacity of 1 800 m3/h, upgrading of water supply abstraction, reservoirs and conveyance systems and the decommissioning of the old water treatment plant and associated redundant infrastructure at Rundu.

The document notes that NamWater was pursuing the acquisition of privately owned erf 1200, which is located adjacent to the existing Rundu Water Treatment Works site, for the newly proposed ground level reservoir, pump station and elevated storage tank.

Rundu Town Council chief executive Olavi Nathanael says he never received a complaint from Omashare Hotel, unless it came in his absence.

“Since the project started, we only received a complaint from House Bavaria and it was attended to. If Omashare Hotel communicated their complaints, it might be delivered or sent to the wrong office which I did not yet receive,” he says.

He says he will attend to matters once official complaints are received.

IMPACT ON BUSINESS

Since construction began, the hotel has lost around 20% of its clientele, with tour groups cancelling bookings, Rosa says.

Rosa reports cracks and damage to buildings from vibrations caused by heavy machinery.

NamWater reportedly attempted to reduce dust by placing netting along the boundary fence, but Rosa says it has done little to help.

“We are on higher ground than the fence, so all the dust still blows directly into our restaurant and veranda. Guests can’t even enjoy a meal outside anymore,” he notes.

Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union branch organiser Egberth Katokora says job losses are inevitable for the hotel staff. He says this will impact the town’s economic activities.

“When tourists travel to places, they contribute to various areas not only accommodation, but local businesses benefits.

“The current employees might be negatively affected because the decrease in tourism will lead to cost cutting and retrenchment or close the business,” Katokora says.

He says the noise from the ongoing construction will distract government meetings and other activities held at the hotel.

Action Democratic Movement leader Vicent Kanyetu describes the situation as a sad story.

He says no proper consultation and assessment was done before construction began, adding that this is a lack of coordination from both stakeholders.

“Leaders could come together to resolve this matter between Omashare and NamWater. This is a win -win development. The town development needs both services.”

He emphasises that development is vital for the town, with water crucial to supporting both the community and the Omashare Hotel’s growth.

“It might not be too late to get a positive solution. We cannot afford to close it, and closing Omashare Hotel is a big no in capital letters. A solution must be done here for both entities to bring development,” he notes.

Kanyetu calls for an amicable solution to not hinder both projects, to safeguard Omashare Hotel jobs and ensure continued water development given the government’s investment.

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