Water security a top priority for new NamWater board

The government has inaugurated the newly appointed board of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), tasking its members with strengthening the country’s long-term water security amid mounting climate and infrastructure challenges.

The inauguration took place on 10 June 2026 and was led by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, who described water as a fundamental pillar of life and a key driver of national development.

The new board is chaired by Matty Hauuanga, with Frieda Muaine serving as deputy chairperson. Other members are Nolan Swarts, Abel Akayombokwa, Michelle Handura, Francina Mwandingi and Alfeus Matheus.

Zaamwani warned that Namibia’s water sector is facing increasing pressure from persistent drought, ageing infrastructure, population growth and rising economic demand.

“The board has a critical responsibility to provide strategic leadership to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure projects and the expansion of services to underserved communities. Delays in infrastructure development directly impact citizens’ quality of life,” she said.

Ongoing projects

The minister highlighted several ongoing and completed projects aimed at strengthening water supply systems across the country. These include the Omafo–Eenhana Extension, the Ondangwa–Omutsegwonime Pipeline Replacement, the Rundu Purification Plant and the Ogongo–Oshakati Pipeline.

She also pointed to rehabilitation projects such as the Omahenene–Oshakati Canal, the Naute–Keetmanshoop Pipeline replacement and upgrades to the central coastal pipeline network.

According to Zaamwani, these projects are essential to improving supply reliability, reducing water losses and expanding access to clean water.

She called on the board to prioritise innovation and sustainability, including desalination, aquifer recharge, water reuse and improved demand management.

The minister cited the Erongo SUNAM Desalination Plant and the Kavango Link Project as key components of Namibia’s long-term water resilience strategy.

She also stressed the importance of maintaining NamWater’s strong audit record while improving financial sustainability, revenue collection and operational efficiency. The board, she said, must uphold transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in carrying out its mandate.