Staff Reporter
SEVERAL of the country’s dams have recorded significant positive inflows over the past week.
“Notable increases have been recorded in Swakoppoort, Von Bach, Omatako, Otjivero Main, Daan Viljoen, Hardap, Neckartal, Naute, Oanob, and Omatjenne Dams, marking a continued improvement in water availability,” said Lot Ndamanomhata, Namibia Water Corporation’s (NamWater) Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
According to the NamWater Dam Bulletin, the Swakoppoort Dam received an inflow of 4.196 Mm³ between 10 February 2025 and Monday, 17 February 2025, raising the dam’s level to 34.0% of full capacity.
Several other dams also recorded increases in water levels between 10 February and 17 February 2025. The Von Bach Dam gained 0.549 Mm³, reaching 27.5% capacity on 17 February. The Omatako Dam saw a significant inflow of 5.917 Mm³, bringing its level to 19.0%. The Otjivero Main Dam recorded an inflow of 0.041 Mm³, increasing its level to 1.8%. The Daan Viljoen Dam gained 0.001 Mm³, reaching 10.4%, and the Omatjenne Dam saw an inflow of 0.143 Mm³, bringing its level to 2.8% on 17 February 2025.
A few months after the tragic image of the nearly-empty Hardap Dam shocked the nation, the water level at the Hardap Dam has been steadily increasing, allowing the dam to supply 100% of the irrigation needs at the Hardap Scheme. The Hardap Dam recorded a notable inflow of 5.311 Mm³ between 10 February and 17 February, raising its level to 23.9% as of Monday.
The other southern dams also saw an increase in their water levels. This includes the Oanob Dam in the Hardap Region, which gained 0.060 Mm³, raising its level to 33.6% on 17 February 2025, as well as the Neckartal Dam in the //Kharas Region, which saw a significant inflow of 10.553 Mm³, reaching 81.1% on 17 February 2025. The Naute Dam also received an inflow of 0.004 Mm³, improving its level to 31.9% on the same date.
“These inflows are encouraging, particularly for the Central Area of Namibia, where water supply remains a priority. Transfers from Swakoppoort Dam to Von Bach Dam continue to support Windhoek and surrounding areas. While these inflows provide some relief, NamWater urges the public to continue using water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability,” Ndamanomhata added.
