An objection recently lodged against a successful bidder for the design of the second phase of the Neckartal Dam Irrigation Scheme has delayed the project's much-anticipated implementation.

This was revealed during a meeting between the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, and the ||Kharas Regional Political leadership and traditional leaders in Keetmanshoop as part of her official visit to the region.

Giving a brief update on the project's implementation, the acting Deputy Executive Director within the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Ben Haraseb, said the bid award objection is currently under review with the adjudication board, which is expected to issue a decision soon.

Last year, the design contract award was also contested, leading to the launch of a new bidding process.

Haraseb stated the irrigation scheme design phase is expected to be completed within eight months, paving the way for the construction to begin next year.

Minister Zaamwani pledged to enforce strict deadlines in expediting the implementation of the irrigation scheme.

The project, which covers 5,000 hectares, is expected to create 11,000 jobs.

"Certain things must be shortened. The process of designing must also be shortened so that we can expedite. We would like to see the Neckartal Dam development activated, not next year, hopefully this year. I really want to drive for the commencement of the physical work on the ground this year, not next year.

Built with roller-compacted concrete, Neckartal is Namibia's largest dam, with a volume of approximately 850,000 cubic meters.

The dam also has an intermediate weir, located 13 kilometers downhill, a pumping station, and a storage basin capable of holding 90,000 cubic meters of water.