Zorena Jantze
TO ease water supply constraints in the coastal regions, Cabinet has approved the development and implementation of the first phase of a new desalination plant at the central coast of Namibia.
This will be the second desalination plant that would convert seawater into potable water after the N$3 billion Orano desalination plant at Wlotzkasbaken.
Peya Mushalenga, the Minister of Information Communication and Technology whilst giving an update on recent cabinet decisions stated that the Cabinet has taken note of the feasibility study on the desalination plant and water carriage systems to secure water supply to the central coast, Windhoek, and en-route users.
He added that Cabinet in principle approved the implementation of a more optimised phase one of the project.
Mushalenga stated the modularised desalination plant capacity would be more than 20 million cubic meters per annum.
Mushalenga added the plant will be constructed through a public-private partnership and that the private sector would be roped in to assist with future operational and financial support.
He stated that this would be carried out via an Engineering Procurement Contract and the project would take up to five years to complete.
The minister further explained that NamWater in partnership with the government must solicit and procure funding with international, and local development banks as well as collaborate with uranium mines for the stated project and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to complete the project.
“Cabinet directed the Ministry of Finance through its public-private partnership unit (PPP) to proceed with the screening of the desalination proposed amended angle of design, and thereafter submit the comprehensive project proposal and funding model for consideration to the treasury,” Mushalenga concluded.
