NamWater, has broken ground on the Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime pipeline replacement project.
The new pipeline will improve water access for residents in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein said the existing pipeline is struggling to meet growing demand due to aging infrastructure.
The first phase of the project will replace the section from Ondangwa to Oshali, ensuring better water distribution.
“Spanning approximately 110 kilometers, this scheme conveys potable water from Ondangwa, traversing through Omuthiya and culminating in the Omutsegwonime village. Notably, this water supply infrastructure is strategic in nature as it serves as a lifeline for two regions being the Oshana and the Oshikoto regions respectively,” he said.
He further explained that the project’s impact goes beyond infrastructure. Reliable water access is seen as a catalyst for development, empowering residents to launch businesses, strengthen the regional SME sector, and improve living standards.
“This project is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water supply. By modernising our infrastructure, we not only address current deficits but also position ourselves to meet future demands,” he said.
Schlettwein also highlighted the importance of collaboration and public-private partnerships in achieving water security.
He emphasised sustainable development practices, urging stakeholders to use water responsibly and safeguard infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.
“Our collective efforts will ensure that our infrastructure is resilient, robust, and capable of supporting the socio-economic growth of both the Oshana and Oshikoto regions as well as the entire nation,” he said.
The Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime pipeline replacement project is part of a larger national strategy to achieve 100% access to safe, clean water.
