Staff Reporter
THE Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has commenced construction of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement Project, valued at more than N$200 million.
“We are not merely commencing the construction of another piece of infrastructure. We are making a deliberate investment in the future of the people of the //Kharas Region, and we are affirming our unwavering belief that sustainable development begins with securing the resources upon which human life, economic growth and social progress depend,” Teofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, said.
He made these remarks at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, where he spoke on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani.
CONSTRUCTION TO COMMENCE: Scenes from the groundbreaking ceremony. Photos: NamWater.
Nghitila said the project, valued at N$219,697,642.12, inclusive of VAT, is being fully funded by NamWater and reflects the corporation’s continued commitment to strengthening Namibia’s strategic water infrastructure.
“For more than five decades, the people of Keetmanshoop and surrounding communities have depended on a pipeline that was constructed in 1971 and commissioned in 1972 as part of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Supply Scheme. That infrastructure has served generations faithfully and has carried with it the hopes and dreams of families, businesses, schools, clinics and industries throughout this region. Yet, as with all infrastructure, time eventually catches up with even the strongest engineering achievements, and the increasing frequency of leaks and pipe bursts has reminded us that yesterday’s solutions cannot indefinitely meet the demands of tomorrow,” Nghitila said.
He explained that the project will involve the construction of a new 36-kilometre underground pipeline alongside the existing one over the next 18 months. The replacement pipeline will consist of modern 450-millimetre glass-reinforced polyester pipes designed to improve the system’s durability and efficiency.
Nghitila acknowledged that the project had faced significant setbacks before construction could begin, including delays of nearly two years caused by legal procurement disputes brought by unsuccessful bidders. Despite these challenges, he said the new pipeline will significantly improve the reliability and sustainability of water supply to Keetmanshoop and surrounding communities for decades to come once completed.
“Water infrastructure is often invisible to society because it quietly performs its essential function day after day. Communities rarely celebrate a pipeline when it is operating smoothly, yet everyone immediately feels the consequences when it fails. This is precisely why responsible leadership cannot afford to wait for crises before acting. Responsible leadership anticipates future challenges, prepares for them and invests in solutions long before circumstances become emergencies. This project is therefore a powerful demonstration of visionary governance and prudent planning,” Nghitila added.
