Two critical water infrastructure projects in the Erongo Region—the Henties Bay Extension and Upgrade Phase 1 and the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement—have been completed and commissioned.
These projects are part of the effort to modernise and secure water supply systems for the central and coastal regions.
Speaking at the events on Friday, Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Minister Calle Schlettwein described the projects as pivotal for the nation's development, emphasising their role in addressing the growing water needs of communities and industries in Henties Bay, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and beyond.
The Henties Bay project involved replacing a five-kilometre pipeline and upgrading ageing infrastructure to meet the rising demand driven by population growth and seasonal tourism.
The Kuiseb-Collector 2 pipeline replacement addresses long-standing challenges in water distribution efficiency and reliability.
This initiative replaces outdated infrastructure with modern systems, ensuring a secure water supply to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and surrounding communities.
The upgrade also reduces water loss and enhances service delivery to industries such as mining and fisheries, which are vital to Namibia's economy.
The minister further stressed that the projects not only serve Henties Bay, Walvis Bay, and Swakopmund but also impact neighbouring towns that depend on interconnected water sources.
NamWater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia added that by improving service reliability and reducing water losses, this project lays the groundwork for robust water supply systems in the Erongo Region.
Governor of the Erongo Region Neville Andre Itope highlighted the broader implications of these upgrades, noting that Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are vital economic hubs and that this project supports their sustainability and ensures surrounding communities can thrive.
These projects are part of a larger strategy to develop an integrated bulk water system for Namibia's west coast, capable of utilising multiple water sources, including the OMDEL and Kaiser Delta aquifers, as well as desalination plants.
This integrated approach ensures resilience in water supply for the region, where fresh water remains a scarce resource.