Staff Reporter
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, has urged the newly appointed members of the NamWater Board of Directors to hit the ground running and ensure the completion of key ongoing water infrastructure projects, including the replacement of critical pipelines in the north.
“As you commence your tenure, you inherit an institution with a clear strategic direction and a mandate that continues to evolve in response to changing national priorities, environmental pressures, and growing demand for water services. I therefore urge you to remain fully cognisant of these realities as you discharge your responsibilities,” she said during the inaugural meeting with the board.
She noted that several critical incomplete projects now require the board’s urgent attention. These include the rehabilitation of the Omahenene–Oshakati Canal, the rerouting of the canal around Oshikuku Settlement, the rehabilitation and replacement of key pipelines serving communities in the northern regions, the replacement of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Pipeline, and the strengthening of pipeline infrastructure in Namibia’s Central Coastal Areas.
NEW APPOINTMENTS: Scenes from the new NamWater Board of Directors’ inaugural meeting. Photos: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform.
“The successful completion of these projects will be critical in enhancing system reliability, reducing water losses, and extending the reach and resilience of Namibia’s bulk water supply network,” Zaamwani said.
The Minister emphasised that the board must provide strong strategic leadership to safeguard Namibia’s water security, ensure the timely delivery of priority projects, support the rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure, and oversee the expansion of services to areas experiencing suppressed demand.
She cautioned that delays in critical infrastructure delivery would slow improvements in citizens’ quality of life and place constraints on economic development.
Zaamwani also urged the board to strengthen the Corporation’s financial sustainability by supporting initiatives aimed at improving revenue collection, enhancing operational efficiency, safeguarding assets, and ensuring the prudent management of public resources.
In addition, she called for a strong focus on innovation and long-term resilience, noting that traditional water supply approaches will no longer be sufficient to meet future demand. She encouraged the exploration of alternative water sources and innovative solutions, including desalination, water reuse, aquifer recharge, and improved demand management.
“Indeed, during your tenure, you are expected to provide oversight to initiatives which aim to transform Namibia’s water sector, such as the Erongo SUNAM Desalination Plant and the Kavango Link Project, as strategic interventions aimed at enhancing long-term national water security and supporting future socio-economic development in the country. The successful advancement of these initiatives will require strategic foresight, consultation, collaboration, sound governance and courageous decision-making. They present this Board with an opportunity not only to address today’s water challenges, but also to lay the foundations for a more resilient and water-secure Namibia,” Zaamwani continued.
The Minister further urged the board to uphold the highest standards of governance and institutional stewardship, ensuring that all decisions are guided by transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and sound judgement. She also encouraged investment in people through succession planning, leadership development, skills transfer, and employee well-being.
“The Corporation’s success also depends on effective partnerships with key stakeholders such as local authorities, regional councils, regulators, development partners, industries and the communities it serves,” she added.
NamWater’s new Board of Directors comprises Matty Hauuanga (Chairperson), Frieda Muaine (Deputy Chairperson), Nolan Swarts, Abel Akayombokwa, Michelle Handura, Francina T. Mwandingi, and Alfeus N. Matheus.
