Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has commissioned two major water infrastructure projects in the Erongo Region: the Henties Bay Extension and Upgrade Project and the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project.
The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, explained that these initiatives are part of a comprehensive effort to transition, modernise, and upgrade bulk water infrastructure for the West Coast, ensuring efficient water distribution until 2037.
Schlettwein revealed that the Henties Bay Extension and Upgrade (Phase 1) project involves replacing a 5-kilometre section of pipeline and upgrading existing infrastructure. He emphasised that the project’s timely completion will support Henties Bay’s population growth, improve quality of life, and drive sustainable economic development.
“The project in Henties Bay, which is the Extension & Upgrade Phase 1, addresses the critical need to expand and modernise the water supply infrastructure in this area. With a population that swells during peak tourism seasons and with planned industrial development, the need for a secure water supply has never been more pressing,” Schlettwein explained.
Regarding the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement (Phase 3) project, Schlettwein explained that it focuses on replacing outdated pipeline systems with modern infrastructure. This, he said, will significantly enhance the security of water supply to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and surrounding areas.
“The upgraded infrastructure will also contribute to a reduction in water loss, ensuring more efficient distribution and better service delivery to both residential and industrial users in this vital economic hub,” he said.
Schlettwein highlighted that these projects aim to contribute to the development of an integrated bulk water system in the West Coast area—a system that can supply water from any of the principal sources to any point of demand.
“Through developing an integrated bulk water infrastructure and system, we have achieved greater security of supply and resilience in delivering safe water to all citizens of the West Coast, where fresh water is extremely scarce. The awarding of these contracts to Namibian companies, such as Strydom Construction, further underscores our commitment to empowering local businesses and stimulating economic growth within our communities. These projects will not only enhance the local water supply systems but also create job opportunities and foster skill development,” Schlettwein said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by NamWater’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abraham Nehemia, who assured that NamWater is committed to expanding and modernising water supply systems to meet the growing demands of the population and economy.
“The Henties Bay Extension and Upgrade Phase 1 and the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement (Phase 3) align directly with this mission, addressing both the immediate and long-term water security challenges faced by our central and coastal regions,” Nehemia added.