A landmark water infrastructure project set to transform lives across northern Namibia officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony in Oshakati on 17 July 2025. The Oshakati Water Purification Plant Extension, a N$743 million initiative financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), promises to nearly double the region’s clean water supply capacity, addressing chronic shortages and unlocking economic potential for over 500,000 residents in the Oshana, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions.
Led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform in partnership with NamWater, the project marks a critical step toward achieving Namibia’s Vision 2030 goal of “Water for All, Forever.” Inge Zaamwani, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, hailed the initiative as a triumph of justice and opportunity, emphasizing its far-reaching impact. “This is not just infrastructure—it is about health, jobs, food security, and dignity,” she declared during the ceremony. The upgraded plant will add 50,000 cubic meters of treated water daily to the existing 40,000 cubic meters, leveraging advanced purification systems to meet national quality standards while supporting climate resilience.
The event, attended by regional governors, local officials, and community leaders, underscored the project’s role as a catalyst for development. Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge described it as a direct response to decades of water scarcity, noting that reliable access would bolster livelihoods, agriculture, and small-scale industries. NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia outlined the technical scope, including new storage ponds and effluent systems, while highlighting opportunities for local SMEs through compliant procurement processes. “This is engineering excellence in service of development,” Nehemia stated, urging communities to protect the infrastructure and uphold payment systems to ensure sustainability.
Oshakati Mayor Leonard Hango framed the project as a symbol of regional transformation, transitioning the town from “scarcity to resilience.” The plant’s strategic location reinforces Oshakati’s role as a water distribution hub, with complementary projects like the Ogongo-Oshakati Pipeline Replacement further strengthening the supply network. Scheduled for completion in 26 months, the extension aligns with Namibia’s broader efforts to mitigate climate pressures and reduce inequality.
For northern Namibia—a region where erratic rainfall and aging infrastructure have long hindered growth—the project represents more than pipes and pumps. It is a lifeline for farmers, a safeguard against disease, and a foundation for future prosperity. As Minister Zaamwani reminded attendees, “This is your project. Built with you, for you.” With construction now underway, the nation watches as a parched landscape prepares to reap the rewards of foresight, investment, and collective resolve.