N$383 million boost for water infrastructure

Namibia and Germany have signed three agreements worth approximately N$383 million (a total of €20 million) earmarked for the development of critical water infrastructure and the upgrading of informal settlements.The agreements, facilitated by the KfW Development Bank, include N$192 million (€10 million) for the Ohangwena Aquifer Project; N$134 million (€7 million) for urban development, with a focus on infrastructure improvements in informal settlements and N$57 million (€3 million) for NamWater technical assistance.These initiatives are essential for Namibia’s long-term development goals, particularly in improving water supply and living conditions for low-income groups.Obeth Kandjoze, director-general of the National Planning Commission, praised the partnership between Namibia and Germany: "Since 2013, our governments have collectively committed over €241 million to development projects, which reflect a shared vision for sustainable growth."Abraham Nehemia, NamWater CEO, said: "This grant confirms our mandate to ensure sustainable, equitable and reliable water supply. We are grateful to the National Planning Commission for facilitating these agreements and to KfW for their continued investment in Namibia’s water infrastructure."Water challenges Namibia, the driest country in Africa south of the Sahara, faces significant water supply challenges due to its dry climate and frequent droughts, making effective water management critically important.The Ohangwena Aquifer Project will improve water supply for more than 40 000 people in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. The project will install multiple decentralised systems for water extraction, treatment, and distribution, reducing reliance on traditional wells and rain-fed systems, which are often unreliable and pose public health risks.This initiative is part of a larger effort under the Water Sector Support Program (WSSP 2), which includes a concession loan of approximately N$1.4 billion for priority water projects in the north.NamWater will serve as the implementing agency for these projects, with technical assistance provided through the additional grant of approximately N$57 million.The grant will improve NamWater’s operational efficiency by integrating energy-efficient technologies, such as solar power systems, and providing specialised staff training for better project implementation. “These projects are more than just infrastructure investments; they are investments in people’s futures. We are confident they will contribute to Namibia achieving its national development goals,” said Ulrike Metzger, head of cooperation at the German embassy.

N$383 million boost for water infrastructure

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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N$383 million boost for water infrastructure

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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