Central dams have enough water
• Region remains vulnerable to drought cycles
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia has reminded stakeholders that while Namibian dams have received much-needed inflow, prudent water use should remain a key priority.
The central region’s water sources have enough water to last for two rainy seasons without any immediate concern.
The Swakoppoort Dam is currently 96.4% full compared to last year’s level of 33.5% at the same time, the Von Bach Dam stands at 84% compared to 11.2% last year, and Omatako, which was almost empty last year, is now 63.1% full.
This is according to NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia, who recently hosted the annual stakeholders’ workshop for Namibia’s Central Area (CAN) in Windhoek.
The workshop brought together key representatives from the water ministry, the City of Windhoek, regional and local authorities and various stakeholders in the water sector to assess water availability in the area following the latest season, as well as to chart the way forward for water supply planning.
During the workshop, Nehemia reflected on the positive impact of the recent rainfall, which replenished water sources, supported ecosystems and increased agricultural productivity.
However, he also warned against complacency and noted that the region remains vulnerable to drought cycles. He emphasised that NamWater regularly evaluates short-term water availability and applies hydrological models to guide responsible planning and sustainable usage.
“The rains have given us a moment of relief, but history shows that dry seasons usually follow good rains. This workshop is critically important to ensure we are adequately prepared and manage our resources prudently,” Nehemia said.
Maintain momentum
During the session, stakeholders were updated on the current storage levels of the three central dams – Swakoppoort, Von Bach and Omatako – which, together with the Windhoek Goreangab operating company (Wingoc), have sufficient water reserves to last through two rainy seasons without immediate concern.
Nehemia concluded the workshop by praising the active participation of all stakeholders and reaffirming NamWater’s commitment to transparent collaboration and evidence-based planning.
“Your contributions have enriched our approach and ensured that our strategies are grounded in both science and shared responsibility. Let us maintain this momentum,” he said.– [email protected]
The Swakoppoort Dam is currently 96.4% full compared to last year’s level of 33.5% at the same time, the Von Bach Dam stands at 84% compared to 11.2% last year, and Omatako, which was almost empty last year, is now 63.1% full.
This is according to NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia, who recently hosted the annual stakeholders’ workshop for Namibia’s Central Area (CAN) in Windhoek.
The workshop brought together key representatives from the water ministry, the City of Windhoek, regional and local authorities and various stakeholders in the water sector to assess water availability in the area following the latest season, as well as to chart the way forward for water supply planning.
During the workshop, Nehemia reflected on the positive impact of the recent rainfall, which replenished water sources, supported ecosystems and increased agricultural productivity.
However, he also warned against complacency and noted that the region remains vulnerable to drought cycles. He emphasised that NamWater regularly evaluates short-term water availability and applies hydrological models to guide responsible planning and sustainable usage.
“The rains have given us a moment of relief, but history shows that dry seasons usually follow good rains. This workshop is critically important to ensure we are adequately prepared and manage our resources prudently,” Nehemia said.
Maintain momentum
During the session, stakeholders were updated on the current storage levels of the three central dams – Swakoppoort, Von Bach and Omatako – which, together with the Windhoek Goreangab operating company (Wingoc), have sufficient water reserves to last through two rainy seasons without immediate concern.
Nehemia concluded the workshop by praising the active participation of all stakeholders and reaffirming NamWater’s commitment to transparent collaboration and evidence-based planning.
“Your contributions have enriched our approach and ensured that our strategies are grounded in both science and shared responsibility. Let us maintain this momentum,” he said.– [email protected]
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