Swakop aquifer to be probed

A hydrological investigation of the alluvial aquifer in the Swakop River between the Von Bach and Swakoppoort dams will be conducted to confirm the availability of groundwater and understand the potential impact of increased abstraction.The investigation will be conducted by Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev, through a strategic partnership with SLR Environmental Consulting Namibia. The agriculture ministry last week signed a memorandum of understanding with AB InBev Namibia for the investigation to commence. The partnership provides an opportunity to understand the aquifer and its potential for future use.According to agriculture permanent secretary Percy Misika, the agreement aims at developing and strengthening cooperation and collaboration between the state and the water users of the basin, through the investigation. “Overall, the investigation will provide an opportunity to explore a source that could potentially contribute immensely to securing water to meet the growing demand of the central area of Namibia and aid in the protection of this vulnerable resource,” he said. According to Misika the investigation has two main objectives. The first is to assess and quantify the groundwater potential of the alluvial aquifer and the subsequent utilisation of the resources as a supplementary source of water during drought periods for the central area. Secondly, the investigation will develop appropriate strategies to prevent the contamination of the alluvial aquifer from potential pollution sources. According to Misika, the investigation will contribute to an improved understanding of the aquifer. It will also provide an opportunity to advance the concepts of integrated water resource management in the upper Swakop basin. Based on the agreement, AB InBev will be the funding partner while the ministry will be the custodian of the resources.The deal has the following benefits: The assessment and quantification of potential resources, the development of a groundwater quality map with potential pollution sources, and overall contribution to enhance the knowledge of existing aquifers with the implication as contingent supply in times of need.In addition, skills transfer to benefit identified ministry staff and the development of a numerical model that may prove useful for the control of groundwater utilisation, including abstraction by Osona plot farmers utilising the Swakop River alluvial aquifer are also benefits.The hydrological investigation is in line with AB InBev's 2025 sustainability goals, which are designed to positively impact communities around the world and deliver measurable results in areas of smart agriculture, circular packaging, climate action and water stewardship.ELLANIE SMIT

Swakop aquifer to be probed

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-03

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Swakop aquifer to be probed

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-03

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