On 29 and 30 July 2026, the Namibia Water Corporation Ltd. (NamWater) has commenced the
implementation of two critical water infrastructure projects valued at more than N$170 million,
aimed at strengthening the reliability, efficiency and long-term resilience of the bulk water supply
system serving Namibia’s central coastal region.
The Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline Replacement Project, valued at N$86.6 million, and the
Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project, valued at N$84 million, were officially
launched through a ground-breaking ceremony held in Swakopmund on 29 and 30 July 2026.
The projects are being implemented by NamWater as part of the Namibian Water Sector Support
Programme I (WSSP I), a national programme aimed at addressing critical water infrastructure
needs and strengthening water security across the country.
The investments are jointly financed through a concessional loan facility of N$875 million secured
in 2022, with funding support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Government of the
Republic of Namibia through NamWater.
The projects demonstrate Namibia’s continued investment in strengthening its water infrastructure
and ensuring that the country’s bulk water supply systems are able to respond to growing demand,
ageing infrastructure, water losses and the increasing pressures associated with drought and
climate change.
NamWater at the Centre of Implementation
As Namibia’s national bulk water utility and the executing agency for the WSSP I, NamWater is
responsible for the implementation of these strategic infrastructure investments.
The Corporation plays a central role in planning, developing, operating and maintaining the
country’s bulk water supply infrastructure. Through the WSSP I, NamWater is advancing priority
projects that support the sustainability and reliability of water supply to communities, businesses
and industries in areas experiencing growing demand.
For the Erongo Region, the replacement of these two ageing pipeline sections is particularly
important to the continued reliability of the central coastal water supply network, which supports
residents and economic activities in one of Namibia’s key tourism, industrial and commercial
corridors.
Once completed, the projects are expected to reduce water losses, minimise the frequency of
pipeline failures and unplanned interruptions, and improve the overall efficiency and resilience of
the bulk water supply system.
The construction period is expected to be approximately 12 months. The projects will also
contribute to local economic development through the creation of approximately 120 employment
opportunities, comprising an estimated 40 skilled and 80 unskilled local workers. Opportunities for
local suppliers and skills transfer during implementation will further contribute to the broader
socio-economic benefits of the investments.
Replacing Critical Water Infrastructure
The Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline Replacement Project involves the replacement of a 10.3-
kilometre section of the pipeline that conveys water from the Omdel Aquifer and the Orano
Desalination Plant towards Swakopmund.
The existing pipeline section has become increasingly vulnerable to failures due to ageing
infrastructure, challenging environmental conditions and increased operating pressures associated
with the integration of desalinated water into the coastal water supply system.
Its replacement is expected to significantly reduce the risk of pipeline bursts and associated service
disruptions, contributing to a more reliable and secure supply of water to consumers in the central
coastal area.
The Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project involves the replacement of an
8-kilometre section of the pipeline that transports water from the Kuiseb Aquifer to Swakopmund.
Originally commissioned in 1974, the pipeline has reached the end of its operational lifespan, with
recurring failures highlighting the need for urgent intervention. Its replacement will strengthen the
reliability of water conveyance from the Kuiseb Aquifer and support the continued provision of
safe, efficient and dependable bulk water supplies to the growing coastal population.
The Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project will be implemented by Zhong
Mei Engineering Group (Pty) Ltd, while UNIK Construction was appointed to implement the Omdel–
Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline Replacement Project following a competitive international tender process.
Strengthening Namibia’s Water Security Through WSSP I
The two Erongo Region projects form part of the broader Namibian Water Sector Support
Programme I, through which the Government of Namibia, with the support of German
development cooperation, is investing in the rehabilitation, expansion and development of critical
water infrastructure.
The programme responds to the need for sustained investment in Namibia’s water sector,
particularly in areas facing increasing water demand and the challenges posed by ageing
infrastructure, climate variability and prolonged drought conditions.
As the executing agency, NamWater is responsible for driving the implementation of the
programme’s strategic water infrastructure investments, with projects targeting priority areas
across the country, including the central coastal and northern regions.
Through the programme, approximately 970,000 people are expected to benefit from improved
water infrastructure, enhanced service reliability and strengthened long-term water security.
For NamWater, these investments form part of its broader commitment to ensuring that Namibia
has resilient and sustainable bulk water infrastructure capable of supporting the country’s social
and economic development.
A Strong Namibia–Germany Partnership
The implementation of the WSSP I reflects the longstanding development cooperation partnership
between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Through BMZ and KfW, Germany is providing important financial support that enables Namibia to
accelerate investment in strategic water infrastructure. The partnership complements Namibia’s
own commitment and investment in the water sector and supports NamWater’s mandate to
develop and maintain reliable bulk water supply infrastructure.
Germany has been one of Namibia’s longstanding development partners, providing financial and
technical cooperation in support of the country’s socio-economic development. KfW’s support to
Namibia includes investments in key sectors such as water, infrastructure, climate resilience and
sustainable development.
The N$170 million investment in the Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken and Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund
pipeline replacement projects therefore represents a shared commitment to a common objective:
strengthening Namibia’s water security and ensuring that communities, businesses and industries
in the Erongo Region can rely on a resilient and dependable water supply system for generations
to come.
Namibian–German Development Cooperation
Germany remains one of Namibia’s most significant development partners. Since 1990, Germany
has provided financial and technical cooperation exceeding EUR 1.6 billion (approximately NAD
30 billion) in support of Namibia’s socio-economic development.
KfW’s current portfolio in Namibia comprises projects with a total funding volume of approximately
EUR 550 million (around NAD 10.5 billion), while additional projects valued at approximately
EUR 45 million (around NAD 855 million) are currently under preparation. These investments
contribute to sustainable development, climate resilience and improved access to essential services
across the country.