NamWater has officially launched a N$236-million project to replace the aging 53-kilometre pipeline running from Ogongo to Oshakati.
The pipeline, which was originally constructed in 1978, has reached the end of its lifespan and is no longer able to meet the growing water demands of the region.
NamWater’s acting chief of engineering services, Saltiel Shaanika, said the project, which is critical to addressing water supply shortages in the area, will be divided into three sections and executed by three separate contractors to mitigate risks.
The contractors selected for the job include China Gazuba Group Co., awarded a section worth N$88 million, China Jiangxi Economic and Technical International Corporation with a N$69.6 million section, and New Era Investment, in a joint venture with CCCC Origin Water Construction Group, tasked with a N$79.2 million.
“But it will be replaced by three contractors with the decided to split the whole stretch in three for the sake of risk mitigation and all that,” he said.
The replacement pipeline will run along the C46 road from Ogongo to Oshakati, a route that passes through several towns and newly established settlements.
This infrastructure overhaul is expected to meet the growing water demands of the region, especially in towns that have expanded rapidly since independence.
Also speaking at the contract signing, Namwater CEO, Abraham Nehemiah, said that the work, which had faced delays due to a court case during the procurement process, is now set to begin.
Despite the setbacks, Nehemia reassured stakeholders that the project would be completed within the required timelines and with high-quality standards to ensure it lasts for the next 40 to 50 years.
