The upgrade of a five-kilometre water pipeline near Henties Bay is expected to start soon, following the awarding of a N$15 million tender to a local company.

The pipeline ferries water from the Omdel acquifier at the Omaruru river mouth to ensure water supply at Hentiesbay.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre says the multi-million-dollar upgrade shows the government's commitment to service delivery despite challenges like a sparsely populated country.

"Many times, the cost of our infrastructure is a serious challenge because of the vastness of the country. Many countries are small and easy in terms of the cost of putting up infrastructure. So we have a small population here, but the cost of the infrastructure is quite huge. So we want to congratulate you on that concept of putting people before costs."

At the ground-breaking ceremony, Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Carl Schlettwein said the project will ensure reliable water supply, which can only be achieved through the development of infrastructure.

"In the national budget that was approved earlier this week, the water vote received an allocation of just over N$1 billion, of which 76% is for infrastructure development. It signifies our determination to overcome challenges posed by water scarcity and ensure that our community can grow and prosper.

To ensure the security of the water supply at the coast, a second seawater desalination plant will be constructed.

"The coast with a huge potential for desalination will be the future place for desalination because the ocean is an unlimited source of water. The centre of the county has its limits, and some ceilings cannot be surpassed. So the coast and its water infrastructure are part of our progress towards industrialization and prosperity."

Once this project, managed and funded by Namwater, is completed, a new water bulk storage reservoir will be constructed to improve the storage capacity at Henties Bay.