Stalled desalination plant a critical ‘lifeline’ for Erongo
Socio-economic growth in Erongo is being constrained by delays to NamWater’s planned desalination plant.
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia says several mines are “waiting in line to open up” but cannot proceed until the new plant is built and commissioned.
At the same time, the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP) confirms it has spare capacity and can increase supply, yet the region remains dependent on a second facility that is still awaiting construction.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Ohangwena II Wellfield Water Supply System last week in Eenhana, Nehemia said the desalination plant remains critical for development in Erongo.
He added that NamWater is engaging stakeholders and is confident that “we will sort out everything soon” so that work can begin on the N$3 billion project, which will be built next to Orano’s EDP north of Wlotzkasbaken.
Nehemia said the plant is a “lifeline” for the region and that it is needed not only for mines but also for other sectors, including housing.
“We are working hard to make sure the project kicks off. That project is very critical,” Nehemia said.
Tricky project
Namibian Sun understands from reliable sources that the project has been delayed for at least another year, with construction now likely to begin sometime next year.
The delay reportedly stems from the complexity of the project, funding considerations, and contractual matters involving Swakop Uranium and its main contractor, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), sources said.
A European firm has reportedly been contracted to assist government with the process because “it is the first time we are doing something like this,” a source noted.
The project was initially slated to be completed by the end of 2026 but is now expected to be finished and commissioned in 2027 or 2028.
Attempts to obtain further detail from NamWater were unsuccessful.
“We are unfortunately at a sensitive stage of concluding this matter,” said Swakop Uranium acting CEO Irvinne Simataa.
Sparse feedback
NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said challenges had delayed progress and added: “The status remains the same. I am not at liberty to share more than I have.”
Cabinet approved the project last year.
Once commissioned, the new plant will produce 20 million cubic metres of desalinated water per year. NamWater has indicated it could serve not only Erongo but also Windhoek and possibly Gaborone in future.
EDP remains Namibia’s only operating desalination plant. Its current output capacity is 22.5 million m³ per year. Demand is around 17.5 million m³, leaving about 5 million m³ in spare capacity. The plant’s design capacity is 45 million m³ per year.
Spare capacity
According to Orano spokesperson Christine de Klerk, the plant recently increased its capacity through upgrades to the NamWater pipeline connection. It rose from 20 million m³ in 2023 to the current 22.5 million m³ per year, and further expansion is planned “in anticipation of rising demand”. She said the plant’s capacity allows it to meet expected demand over the next five to ten years.
Government attempted to buy the plant in 2014, but negotiations failed over price and management responsibilities. NamWater then opted to pursue its own facility, despite EDP being able to supply more water.
“We do not believe in the feasibility of a second desalination plant, as the current plant has a proven track record and enough spare capacity to enable further economic growth,” De Klerk said.
She argued that the immediate focus should instead be on “additional pipelines and reservoir capacity”.
She stressed that production is not the problem – delivery is.
“The current supply via the NamWater pipeline system is to the coastal Erongo region and not beyond. The production of water is not the current bottleneck, but the infrastructure to deliver water to future users is anticipated to become a challenge.”
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia says several mines are “waiting in line to open up” but cannot proceed until the new plant is built and commissioned.
At the same time, the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP) confirms it has spare capacity and can increase supply, yet the region remains dependent on a second facility that is still awaiting construction.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Ohangwena II Wellfield Water Supply System last week in Eenhana, Nehemia said the desalination plant remains critical for development in Erongo.
He added that NamWater is engaging stakeholders and is confident that “we will sort out everything soon” so that work can begin on the N$3 billion project, which will be built next to Orano’s EDP north of Wlotzkasbaken.
Nehemia said the plant is a “lifeline” for the region and that it is needed not only for mines but also for other sectors, including housing.
“We are working hard to make sure the project kicks off. That project is very critical,” Nehemia said.
Tricky project
Namibian Sun understands from reliable sources that the project has been delayed for at least another year, with construction now likely to begin sometime next year.
The delay reportedly stems from the complexity of the project, funding considerations, and contractual matters involving Swakop Uranium and its main contractor, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), sources said.
A European firm has reportedly been contracted to assist government with the process because “it is the first time we are doing something like this,” a source noted.
The project was initially slated to be completed by the end of 2026 but is now expected to be finished and commissioned in 2027 or 2028.
Attempts to obtain further detail from NamWater were unsuccessful.
“We are unfortunately at a sensitive stage of concluding this matter,” said Swakop Uranium acting CEO Irvinne Simataa.
Sparse feedback
NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said challenges had delayed progress and added: “The status remains the same. I am not at liberty to share more than I have.”
Cabinet approved the project last year.
Once commissioned, the new plant will produce 20 million cubic metres of desalinated water per year. NamWater has indicated it could serve not only Erongo but also Windhoek and possibly Gaborone in future.
EDP remains Namibia’s only operating desalination plant. Its current output capacity is 22.5 million m³ per year. Demand is around 17.5 million m³, leaving about 5 million m³ in spare capacity. The plant’s design capacity is 45 million m³ per year.
Spare capacity
According to Orano spokesperson Christine de Klerk, the plant recently increased its capacity through upgrades to the NamWater pipeline connection. It rose from 20 million m³ in 2023 to the current 22.5 million m³ per year, and further expansion is planned “in anticipation of rising demand”. She said the plant’s capacity allows it to meet expected demand over the next five to ten years.
Government attempted to buy the plant in 2014, but negotiations failed over price and management responsibilities. NamWater then opted to pursue its own facility, despite EDP being able to supply more water.
“We do not believe in the feasibility of a second desalination plant, as the current plant has a proven track record and enough spare capacity to enable further economic growth,” De Klerk said.
She argued that the immediate focus should instead be on “additional pipelines and reservoir capacity”.
She stressed that production is not the problem – delivery is.
“The current supply via the NamWater pipeline system is to the coastal Erongo region and not beyond. The production of water is not the current bottleneck, but the infrastructure to deliver water to future users is anticipated to become a challenge.”
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