Staff Reporter
THE final phase of the rehabilitation of the Kuiseb–Collector 2–Schwarzkuppe–Swakopmund pipeline system is officially under way, with the project expected to be completed within the next year.
“The project we are launching today represents the final phase of the rehabilitation of the Kuiseb–Collector 2–Schwarzkuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline System, commonly known as the CSS Pipeline. Originally commissioned in 1974, this strategic pipeline has served the Erongo Region for more than five decades. Through successive rehabilitation programmes, more than 62 kilometres of the system have already been successfully replaced. Today, we commence the replacement of the remaining priority sections—Sections 6B and 6C—thereby eliminating the last significant bottleneck within this critical water supply scheme,” Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abraham Nehemia said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
He said the construction contract is valued at N$83.9 million, excluding VAT, and is jointly funded by the German Government, through KfW Development Bank, and the Namibian Government under the Water Sector Support Programme Phase 2. He added that NamWater is contributing approximately N$4 million towards construction supervision.
“Construction officially commenced on 14 July 2026 and is scheduled for completion within 12 months, with commissioning anticipated by mid-2027,” he added.
Nehemia said the first phase of the works will involve the installation of a 5 km above-ground glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) pipeline.
“The first component, Section 6B, comprises the installation of five kilometres of 600 NB glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) pipeline above ground. This section will serve as a controlled pilot project to evaluate the long-term corrosion resistance and operational performance of GRP technology under the harsh coastal conditions of the Namib Desert,” Nehemia said.
He explained that the second component of the project will involve the construction of a 4 km high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline, which has also been selected for its corrosion-resistant properties.
“The second component, Section 6C, involves the construction of four kilometres of 720 OD high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline. Unlike the first section, this pipeline will be installed underground and positioned closer to the coastline to isolate it from the severe atmospheric salinity that has historically contributed to accelerated corrosion,” Nehemia said.
He explained that the upgraded pipeline will convey up to 500 cubic metres of groundwater per hour from the Lower Kuiseb Aquifers, particularly the Swartbank compartment, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply of groundwater to Swakopmund.
“Importantly, the system has also been designed to accommodate reverse flow of up to 1,130 cubic metres per hour, enabling NamWater to augment water supply to Walvis Bay during emergency situations or periods of increased demand. This enhanced flexibility greatly improves the resilience of the coastal bulk water supply system while reducing operational risks associated with infrastructure failure,” Nehemia added.
Photo: MICT Erongo Regional Office
