The Namibia Water Corporation is planning a water extraction project estimated to cost around N$7 billion with pipelines that can be turned on and off, when necessary, from the Okavango River.
The project received approval on 27 February 2024 and is expected to address water challenges in the Central Area of Namibia (CAN). It is being implemented in partnership with the City of Windhoek and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, with completion set in five to seven years.
“This option has proved less costly and more efficient than the rest,” said NamWater Chief Engineer Saltiel Shaanika.
Shaanika added that other options considered included reclamation which is too costly and water supply from the South of Namibia, which is not sufficient as we would be depriving the civilians and dairy farms.
City of Windhoek Chief Engineer Sebastian Husslemann said according to the 2019 Water Management Plan, CAN currently falls under Category C, which implies mandatory water savings.
“However, CAN is mid-way to Category E, which means possible water rationing and more serious restrictions to be implemented regarding the use of water,” he said.
Husslemann added that a CAN workshop is scheduled for Monday, 13 May, to discuss more on figures and more strategies regarding the water crisis for the next 24 months.
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia said as of 6 May 2024, the water levels in the three dam systems Omatako, Von Bach and Swakoppoort are at 18% of their combined full supply capacity compared to 37.2% at the same time in 2023.
“The current water supply will not be enough to sustain two rainy seasons if water demand management by all stakeholders and the public is not implemented as soon as possible,” CEO said.
