Namibia and South Africa have called for stronger regional cooperation, increased investment, and climate-resilient infrastructure to address water security challenges across Southern Africa.

Speaking at the 3rd National Regional Water Symposium at Swakopmund, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, stressed that water security must remain central to national development.

Zaamwani revealed that 91.4% of Namibian households had access to safe drinking water.

However significant inequalities remain, particularly in rural areas, where access stands at 83.5% compared to 98% in urban areas.

"Water is undoubtedly one of the most critical resource issues of our time and must therefore remain central to our development agenda. Without water, there is no life, and without water, there can be no development.”

She also highlighted sanitation as a major concern, with basic sanitation coverage standing at 36.2% and open defecation at 39.4%.

South Africa's Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, described water security as a matter of human dignity and social justice.

She urged both countries to strengthen partnerships.

"Namibia or South Africa should have to walk four kilometres in one direction and another four kilometres back in search of water. No child should miss school because they have to fetch water, and no village should be forgotten because it is too remote, too rural, or too poor. Let us innovate, collaborate, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. Let us be responsible stewards of our water resources because when water flows, life flows; when water flows, dignity flows; and when water flows, everything flows. Water is life.”

Majodina emphasised that ageing infrastructure and climate change require innovative solutions, including smart monitoring systems, renewable energy-powered boreholes, and wastewater reuse.

Both ministers further warned that the anticipated strengthening of El Niño could intensify drought conditions and put additional pressure on already vulnerable water systems.

The symposium is expected to produce practical commitments, with clear implementation timelines, financing plans, and institutional responsibilities to strengthen water security.