NamWater to modernise water supply in northern areas

The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), on NamWater to modernise water supply in northern NamibiaNamWater, in collaboration with the ministry of agriculture, has launched a pilot project aimed at optimizing the retail water supply process in northern Namibia.A stakeholder engagement session held in Ondangwa last week marked the official start of the project for the Okashandja–Olweege Branchline. The event, attended by traditional leaders, community members, and technology partners, focused on strategies to modernise Namibia’s water supply system and address long-standing challenges.NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia emphasised the historic challenges in water supply management, particularly in north-western Namibia."Water supply in the region has improved significantly over the years, but issues such as non-payment, inefficient billing, and infrastructure constraints continue to hinder progress," he said.The pilot project will integrate smart technologies to enhance service delivery, ensure financial sustainability, and promote responsible water use. Nehemia added that Namibia’s water sector faces increasing strain due to climate change, recurring droughts, and ageing infrastructure.A step towards modernisationOshana regional governor Elia Irimari praised NamWater’s initiative, highlighting the importance of water accessibility for national development.He stated that water is the foundation of development, and access to a clean, reliable supply is a fundamental right. He further emphasized that by integrating smart water metering and digital innovations, this pilot project can set a new standard for Namibia’s water sector. Irimari urged all stakeholders to support and contribute to its success.NamWater’s head of public relations and corporate communications Lot Ndamanomhata explained that transitioning from fixed community contributions to a cost-recovery model has been challenging. Rising debt levels have led to disputes and the abandonment of communal water points, making water supply unsustainable.This has prompted a comprehensive sector review, culminating in NamWater’s five-year strategy (2023–2028). A key element of this strategy is the establishment of a retail division to enhance operational efficiency.Okashandja–Olweege pilot projectSet to run for six months from January 2025, the pilot project will focus on several key objectives. One of the primary goals is the deployment of smart meters to enable real-time monitoring of water usage, which will improve efficiency in managing water consumption. Additionally, NamWater aims to enhance revenue collection accuracy, ensuring a more effective billing system.Infrastructure improvements are also a critical part of the project, including repairing and replacing outdated pipes and implementing leak detection systems to reduce water loss. To make water payments more accessible, NamWater will introduce prepaid and post-paid options, offering greater affordability and convenience for consumers.Upon successful completion, NamWater will develop a full-scale implementation strategy to expand these solutions nationwide.Leveraging digital solutionsNdamanomhata also revealed that NamWater is collaborating with MTC to integrate digital technologies into its water management systems. These solutions will include cloud computing, which will provide more efficient data storage and accessibility, as well as data analytics, which will help improve decision-making and resource allocation. Additionally, the introduction of mobile payment platforms will streamline customer transactions, making it easier for people to pay for water services remotely.With the introduction of smart metering and digital innovations, NamWater is taking a significant step towards sustainable water management in Namibia. If successful, this initiative could revolutionize water supply systems across the country, ensuring better access, affordability, and long-term sustainability. - tuyeimo@nmh-hub.com.na

NamWater to modernise water supply in northern areas

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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NamWater to modernise water supply in northern areas

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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