Stakeholders gathered in Ondangwa to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime bulk water supply pipeline replacement project.

The long-awaited project, costing ninety-one million dollars in its first phase, will resolve water supply challenges in the Oshana and Oshikoto Regions.

The first phase, which started in May of this year, will end in May 2025.

The 17-kilometer stretch from Ondangwa to Oshali village will enable NamWater to improve its water supply.

The Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime pipeline, also known as the Southeast scheme, was built 42 years ago and has outgrown its capacity.

The project is a milestone in NamWater's ongoing efforts to enhance water security, supply, and sustainable development for the two regions.

NamWater's Chief Executive Officer, Abraham Nehemia, says the sections that experience the most frequent breaks and require immediate replacement are Ondangwa-Oshali, Oshali-Okatope, and Omuthiya-Omutse-gwonime.

"The existing pipeline is no longer capable of supplying water to meet the demand of both urban and rural schemes it serves. This shortage is most acute during the peak demand period from September to December when there is an influx of people into the area, especially for the December holiday, which leads to severe water shortage."

Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Minister Carl Schlettwein says the project will fulfill the government's promise of providing clean drinking water.