The Government of Namibia has granted approval for the construction of a 20 million cubic metre per year desalination plant in the Erongo Region, a crucial step toward addressing the rising water demand driven by increased uranium mining and other industrial development, as well as population growth. This strategic decision underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring long-term water security, a cornerstone for sustainable development and economic growth.
The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, announced the government’s endorsement during the Land Development Conference in Henties Bay. He emphasized NamWater’s vital role in managing the country’s water supply infrastructure, which currently depends on the integrated water supply system comprised of the Omdel and Kuiseb Delta aquifers and the existing Orano desalination plant.
These sources, collectively providing just under 30 million cubic meters annually, have reached their sustainable limits, necessitating the construction of a new facility.
“With the ambitious development plans of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, alongside increased mining, industrial, and agricultural demands, our current water resources are insufficient,” Schlettwein stated. “Approval for a second desalination plant with a capacity of approximately 20 million cubic meters per year has been granted, with construction set to begin in January 2025 and completion anticipated by early 2027.”
This initiative is not just about meeting immediate water needs; it is a strategic move to position Namibia as a leader in sustainable water management. The new plant will ensure a secure and reliable water supply, crucial for supporting the region’s economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for the residents.
The conceptualization of the desalination plant comes as a result of a comprehensive Feasibility Study for a Desalination Plant and Water Transfer System, aimed at securing water supply to the Central Coast, Windhoek, and en-route users, which was completed in 2021. The primary objective of this Feasibility Study was to provide a comprehensive concept to secure and diversify Namibia’s water supply by combining conventional water resources with a climate-independent water supply, thereby increasing resilience in the Project Area up to the year 2050. This project foresees addressing future water deficits through suitable seawater desalination at a plant situated on the Atlantic Coast, supplying water to the Central Coastal Area of Namibia (CCA), the Central Area of Namibia (CAN), and potentially to Botswana via pipeline transfer.