The City of Windhoek says it is moving forward with a N$1.7 billion (€90 million) combined project designed to address the city’s growing water demands while reducing reliance on external watersources.
According to CoW Spokesperson Harold Akwenye, the initiative merges the construction of the new Direct Potable Reclamation Plant (DPR2) and the critical expansion of the Gammams and Otjomuise Wastewater Treatment Plants.
“It became apparent that the DPR2 project is highly reliant on the upgrading and expansion of the upstream Wastewater Treatment Plants, Gammams (GWWTP) and Otjomuise (OWWTP), to ensure supply of adequate water, both quantity and quality, for reclamation. As a result, it was decided to implement the project as one package,” he told The Brief.
Akwenye noted that the technical feasibility study for the DPR2 was completed in 2023 and one of the key findings revealed that the project’s success depends on upgrading the existing waste water treatment plants.
The study also highlighted the importance of improving water quality and quantity from these facilities to ensure sustainable reclamation efforts.
Meanwhile, in May 2024, the City initiated an international bidding process for the procurement of an Implementation Consultant, who will be responsible for overseeing the project’s design and execution.
The Expression of Interest/Prequalification proposal received is currently being evaluated by the relevant internal procurement structures.
“The successful Implementation Consultant will conduct any additional studies required, execute the Design Concept / Preliminary Detailed), and develop project technical specifications and prepare the Bidding Documentation required to appoint the Contractors,” revealed Akwenye.
The project is being carried out through a design-build-operate procurement model, which will streamline the construction and commissioning phases.
He said the construction phase will involve both the development of the DPR2 plant and the necessary upgrades to the wastewater treatment facilities.
“The combined reclamation plant and wastewater facility upgrades are expected to reduce Windhoek’s reliance on external water sources, particularly during times of low dam levels,” Akwenye said.
“However, these combined efforts alone will not meet Windhoek’s medium to long-term growing demand, and sustainable external water sources will always be required to ensure the city’s watersecurity.”
The City anticipates that the entire project will be completed within five years. The investment in the project is part of Windhoek’s long-term strategy to enhance water resilience as the city faces increasing challenges related to population growth and climate variability.
Akwenye noted that once completed, the DPR2 and wastewater treatment upgrades will play a crucial role in safeguarding the City’s water supply and reducing the strain on existing resources.
“The additional reclamation plant in conjunction with the existing reclamation plant will reduce reliance on the external water source during times of affluent external source dam levels, and by further augmenting the supply from the Windhoek Aquifer during low external source dam levels, will provide extended water security and preserve the quality of life,” he said.
