N$10bn canal repair extends lifespan to 2037

The dilapidated Omahenene-Olushandja Canal has been replaced by a concrete-lined structure at a cost of N$10 billion and will have a lifespan until at least 2037.Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein said this at the inauguration of the reconstructed and rehabilitated canal in the Omusati Region. The canal is a section of the Calueque-Oshakati Canal.He said that the open-water canal was constructed in the 1970s, more than 50 years ago, and its importance has increased over the years, hence the need for its rehabilitation.The minister said the canal bears historic and social significance as it conveys water for about 150 km from the Calueque Dam to the Oshakati treatment plant and serves all the communities of the four northern regions.Water supply crucialSchlettwein said the majority of people in the Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions are supplied with fresh water from the Kunene River from the Calueque Dam through the canal.He explained that NamWater is responsible for the operation of the canal as well as the four treatment plants that convert raw water into drinkable water to ensure that the quality of the drinking water is of the highest standards.The canal has been designed to carry 10 cubic metres of water per second in the first section and 1.5 cubic metres per second at Oshakati."This canal was not only built to supply drinkable water to Namibians but also to cater for industries and agriculture."Important link to developmentThe Etunda Green Scheme is also supplied with water via the canal.Schlettwein said that one can therefore see how important this canal is for livelihoods, for food production, for industries, and for the wellbeing of the economy.The operation of the canal and its upkeep are expensive exercises, and NamWater spends millions per year on pumping and its maintenance, the minister noted.Namwater, through the Central Procurement Board, awarded bids to two contractors who were tasked with the reconstruction of the canal, and work commenced in February 2021.According to Schlettwein, the goal is to extend and supply water infrastructure to all corners of the country so that it will last until 2037.Life is water"Water is not only life, it is needed for our livelihoods and for our very being. Together with land, water is our most valuable resource; without it, no socio-economic development is possible."He said people must appreciate the value of water and should not take it for granted anymore."Nor can we, and may we allow any wastage of it."He said that Namibia prides itself on being one of the few countries in Africa that can say: "Whenever you open that tap, you can drink that water. It is safe, and it is clean."

N$10bn canal repair extends lifespan to 2037

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-14

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N$10bn canal repair extends lifespan to 2037

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-14

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