Staff Reporter
THE Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has dismissed claims that the upgrade of the Rundu Purification Plant poses environmental risks, emphasising that the facility is a water treatment plant—not a wastewater facility.
This comes after the management of the Omashare Hotel in Rundu allegedly raised various concerns about the purification plant on the banks of the Okavango River, including claims that the chemicals used by the plant could cause environmental harm.
“The claim regarding chemicals is not substantiated, as the plant in question is a potable water treatment plant, not a wastewater facility. Additionally, had there been fatal flaws or environmental risks as alleged by Omashare Hotel, an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) would not have been granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism,” the corporation said.
NamWater also addressed concerns about the alleged lack of public and stakeholder engagement prior to the commencement of the project, arguing that consultations were held before the tendering process and followed by further engagement thereafter.
“Stakeholder engagements were conducted prior to the tendering of works, a precondition, as tenders cannot be advertised without a valid Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). Comprehensive stakeholder consultations were carried out as required in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Immediately after construction commenced, further engagements were held in Rundu to officially announce the construction activities. Notably, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) meeting for the proposed Rundu purification plant upgrade was held on 27 April 2022, and Ms Mathilda Nathanael from Omashare Hotel attended and signed the attendance register,” NamWater explained.
In response to claims that environmental health assessments were overlooked, NamWater clarified that a full ESIA was conducted, and an ECC was issued on 2 February 2023 by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The corporation emphasised that without a valid ECC, neither construction nor tendering is legally permitted.
NamWater also addressed concerns that the purification plant could negatively affect business at Omashare Hotel due to 24/7 operations, which could generate constant noise and dust.
“The flagged issues of noise, dust, and instability were discussed at the meeting held on 10 March 2025, which was attended by NamWater (Employer), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (Contractor), Nicholas O’Dwyer Consulting Engineers (Supervision Engineer), and Rundu Town Council (Regulator). Subsequent to this consultation meeting, a formal response was issued by NamWater to allay the concerns of Omashare Hotel regarding the impact of construction and subsequent operation of the treatment plant. Measures implemented by the contractor on site were also communicated. On the allegation of damages to structures, Omashare Hotel was requested to lodge a grievance as provided by the project through the Grievance Redress Mechanism to enable an investigation and this specific allegation was withdrawn and no grievance was submitted by Omashare Hotel to enable an investigation. Additionally, work by the Contractor beyond the stipulated working hours is being managed and communication was issued to ashore Hotel and that all properties adjacent to active sites shall be informed well in advance,” NamWater added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only.
