NamWater says it has allocated N$10.56 million to improve water supply in Katima Mulilo through a major pipeline replacement project.
The Katima Mulilo Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project is an infrastructure development designed to address the town’s critical water shortages.
NamWater CEO, Abraham Nehemia, said with the town’s population surging from 8,000 to over 45,000, the original pipeline, built in 1979, was no longer sufficient to meet demand.
He said frequent breakdowns due to aging infrastructure disrupted water supply, affecting households and businesses.
The new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline, with an estimated lifespan of 50 to 100 years, has a capacity of 1,200 cubic metres of water per hour, ensuring reliable service for decades to come.
“The Katima Mulilo Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project is a key component of NamWater’s strategy to provide reliable water to all Namibians. This investment not only addresses the town’s immediate water needs but also positions the region for sustainable growth and development,” Nehemia said.
He further explained that the pipeline replacement was designed by NamWater’s engineering team and constructed by a local contractor.
He said the project also created employment opportunities for 26 Namibians and sourced materials locally, contributing to the regional economy.
“This showcases our in-house expertise and demonstrates that Namibia has the capacity to deliver world-class infrastructure using local talent. By relying on Namibian professionals, we are building not only pipelines but also national capacity to address our challenges independently,” he said.
The new pipeline extends water services to nearby areas, including Sibbinda, Linyanti, and Bukalo.
