NamWater has officially launched construction of the N$743 million Oshakati Purification Plant upgrade, which will more than double the facility’s water treatment capacity from 40,000 to 90,000 cubic metres per day.
The project is aimed at meeting the growing water demand of over 500,000 people in Oshakati, Ondangwa, Ongwediva, and surrounding rural areas.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, NamWater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia said the project is being implemented under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme and is financed through a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“The total contract value is N$743,219,518.92, inclusive of VAT and provisional sums. The construction duration is estimated at 26 months,” Nehemia said.
The construction contract was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd after an open international bidding process. Nehemia noted that the project includes provisions for local content, subcontracting opportunities for Namibian SMEs, and skills transfer.
“We remain resolute in ensuring that Namibian enterprises benefit from this national investment. We are guided by government instruments such as the Code of Good Practice on Procurement Preference and remain fully committed to empowerment, job creation, and value addition,” he said.
The upgraded plant will be aligned with revised national water quality standards and will include advanced treatment technology, additional raw water storage capacity, and improved effluent management systems.
NamWater emphasised that the project is part of a broader regional strategy to improve bulk water supply systems. This includes related work on pipeline upgrades and canal rehabilitation.
“This project does not stand alone. It forms part of an integrated development approach within the NWSSP and NamWater’s Master Plan for water security in the Central Northern Areas,” Nehemia said.
