As part of the driest region in Sub-Saharan Africa, Namibia faces unique challenges to its water resources as rainfall is unevenly distributed, both geographically and seasonally. Windhoek, as well as the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, are under pressure to meet the increasing water demand at a time when water resources are becoming ever more unreliable and over-exploited, which is not sustainable.

The German Government has therefore been supporting Namibia to explore opportunities for the desalination of seawater as an additional and climate resilient water source. In cooperation with the German KfW Development Bank, a feasibility study was commissioned to provide technical and commercial concepts for sustainable solutions for the water supply to the Central Coast and Central Area of Namibia, including Windhoek as well as en route users.

On 17 and 18 February, the final workshop for the desalination feasibility study takes place - due to COVID-19 limitations in a virtual setting -, bringing together all stakeholders in order to evaluate and discuss the findings of the study as well as to ensure its successful conclusion. The study has been financed by German Development Cooperation, through KfW, with a grant of N$19,5 million (1,3 million Euro) and implemented by NamWater.

Long-term sustainable water supply

Within the framework of the feasibility study, a detailed analysis of the future water demand in the respective areas including recommendations for suitable desalination options, water transfer systems and power supply, with the inclusion of renewable energies, was carried out.

As soon as completed, the feasibility study will provide a comprehensive decision making tool for the Namibian Government, allowing for decisions to substantially increase the climate resilience of the Coastal and Central Area as well as the security of water supply and planning.