Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has introduced temporary measures to ease water shortages in Walvis Bay, as the town continues to face supply problems caused by damaged infrastructure.
The national water utility said the emergency steps are expected to increase total water supply from the Kuiseb system to the Mile 7 Reservoirs from the current 730 cubic metres per hour to between 950 and 1,022 cubic metres per hour.
NamWater, through its Coastal Business Unit, confirmed that it began powering boreholes in the Kuiseb New Delta Scheme on 16 June 2025 using generator sets to temporarily boost supply.
“Interim measures are being implemented to help ease ongoing water shortages in the area. These temporary interventions are part of NamWater’s broader response to ensure continued water supply while preparations for a permanent solution are underway,” the company said.
NamWater explained that the temporary use of generators is necessary while the company awaits the replacement of damaged overhead powerline conductors that have severely restricted borehole operations.
“The delivery of key materials required for the powerline replacement has been delayed due to unforeseen logistical challenges experienced by the supplier,” the company said. “As a result, the previously anticipated full restoration timeline by the end of July 2025 is no longer achievable.”
NamWater said it will confirm a revised completion date once the materials arrive.
According to the water utility, the current shortages are the result of powerline failures caused by corrosion and prolonged exposure to extreme coastal weather. “This has compromised the operational capacity of boreholes in the High Dune and Dorop South areas,” NamWater said.
The company confirmed it is fully funding the emergency intervention, which includes the deployment of three fuel-powered generators strategically positioned to serve multiple boreholes.
“To ensure safety and uninterrupted operation, 24-hour security has been arranged, sourced from local Walvis Bay service providers for faster response times,” NamWater said.
NamWater expects the emergency measures to significantly improve water supply.
“The expected benefits of this intervention include a projected increase in water abstraction rates from the current 145 cubic metres per hour to approximately 430 cubic metres per hour in the High Dune and Dorop South aquifer compartments,” the company said.
In addition to boosting supply, the temporary measures will support ongoing refurbishment work at the Collector 2 Reservoir in the Swartbank area.
NamWater said it remains committed to resolving the water supply challenges facing Walvis Bay. “NamWater remains fully committed to addressing the current water supply challenges and is working diligently to implement both interim and permanent solutions,” the company said.
