Staff Reporter
THE construction process for the replacement of the Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline in the Erongo Region has officially commenced and is expected to be completed within the next year.
Speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), Abraham Nehemia, revealed that the construction value of the project exceeds N$86 million. He highlighted that the construction contract has been awarded to Unik Construction Engineering (Pty) Ltd, with project commissioning anticipated by mid-2027.
“The total construction value of this project amounts to N$86,600,162.44, excluding VAT. The project is jointly funded by KfW Development Bank and the Government of the Republic of Namibia through the Water Sector Support Programme Phase 1. In addition, NamWater has committed approximately N$4 million towards construction supervision to ensure strict quality assurance, sound engineering oversight and full compliance with project specifications,” Nehemia said.
PIPELINE REPLACEMENT: Scenes from the groundbreaking ceremony. Photos: NamWater.
He explained that the existing Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline has served the coastal region for approximately 45 years. According to him, the pipeline performed exceptionally well over the decades but now shows significant signs of ageing and corrosion.
“Operating under some of the highest pressures within the Omdel Water Supply Scheme, this section has become a critical bottleneck that requires urgent replacement to maintain the integrity and reliability of the coastal bulk water supply network,” Nehemia continued.
In view of this, he explained that NamWater will replace 10.3 kilometres of pipeline between chainages 34.4 kilometres and 44.7 kilometres, representing Phase 2 of this strategic rehabilitation programme. He revealed that the replacement pipeline will consist of 10.3 kilometres of 700 millimetre nominal diameter (700 NB) ductile cast-iron pipeline installed above ground.
“The pipeline has been specifically designed for the demanding coastal environment and incorporates an advanced ZMU zinc-aluminium alloy coating together with a polyurethane protective layer. These specialised corrosion-resistant coatings provide exceptional durability against the harsh atmospheric conditions associated with the Namib Desert and the Atlantic coastline. The engineering design reflects NamWater’s commitment to adopting technologies that reduce maintenance requirements, extend infrastructure lifespan and improve operational reliability,” Nehemia explained.
He emphasised that, beyond replacing ageing infrastructure, the project will significantly enhance the operational performance of the entire coastal water supply system. He explained that, once completed, the upgraded pipeline will support the gravity transfer of up to 9 million cubic metres of groundwater per annum from the Omdel Aquifer.
“It will also facilitate the integration of up to 21 million cubic metres per annum of desalinated water supplied by the Orano Desalination Plant. Together, these two water sources will provide a combined transfer capacity of approximately 30 million cubic metres annually to the Swakopmund Base Reservoir. This increased capacity is essential to meeting the growing demand from coastal municipalities, expanding uranium mining operations, tourism establishments, port activities and other strategic industries that continue to drive Namibia’s economic development,” Nehemia added.
