NamWater, Chinese company sign N$123m water treatment deal

NamWater has officially signed a contract with China Jiangxi International for the extension and upgrade of the Outapi water treatment works. The project, valued at about N$123.2 million, aims to address the growing water demands of the town and its surrounding areas. The site handover is expected to take place within the next week, according to NamWater’s head of programme management Timothy Silombela, with the project duration set for 16 months.The water utility’s CEO Abraham Nehemia highlighted the critical nature of the project, especially considering the current dependency of the four central northern regions on a single water source - the Calueque canal. He elaborated on ongoing efforts in the Ohangwena Region, saying: “We have projects focusing on the development of the Ohangwena-2 aquifer to provide an additional water source, reducing the reliance on the canal. However, the western part of the region has faced significant challenges in terms of capacity and water quality. This has necessitated the expansion or replacement of treatment plants at Olushandja, Outapi, Ongongo and Oshakati."Water shortagesNehemia emphasised the urgency of the Outapi project due to severe water shortages during dry seasons. "Complaints from the Ombaalantu area during dry periods are distressing, especially since the existing plant often operates at maximum capacity and sometimes breaks down. This project is crucial, but we must also address the canal supplying the plant. We have completed the canal portion between the borders and Olushandja, and will continue from Olushandja to Outapi to ensure adequate water supply for treatment and distribution when the plant is completed," he said.Over the past weeks, NamWater has launched several significant projects, including the extension and upgrading of pipelines in Ondangwa, Eenhana and Rundu, to the combined tune of N$1 billion. "The Ondangwa-Omutsegonime pipeline replacement project is worth N$91 million, N$250 million for the Ohangwena II Wellfield water supply schemes project in Eenhana and N$655 million for the Rundu water treatment plant extension and associated works project," NamWater’s head of public relations Lot Ndamanomhata said.Promises of excellenceChina Jiangxi International, in partnership with Namibian contractor Homefin Properties, was awarded the tender for the Outapi project. China Jiangxi International business manager Ouyang Fenfen expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the company. "We promise to deliver this project with excellent quality and within the given time frame.”The company has been active in Namibia for over 20 years, recently partnering with Homefin Properties on the completion of the Ondangwa-Omutsegonime pipeline replacement project launched last month.

NamWater, Chinese company sign N$123m water treatment deal

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-17

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NamWater, Chinese company sign N$123m water treatment deal

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-17

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