N$1 billion budgeted for water sector

A N$1 billion budget for the water sector of the agriculture, water and land reform ministry for the 2024-25 financial year represents an increase of 38.9% from the approximately N$634.8 million of the previous financial year.According to deputy agriculture minister Anna Shiweda, operating expenses amount to more than N$249 million, which represents 24% of the total budget allocation. In addition, the development budget is N$790 million, which represents 76% of the total budget allocation.Meanwhile, low storage dam levels remain a concern.NamWater&#039;s latest dam bulletin states that the dam levels currently stand at a combined 56%, compared to last year&#039;s 68%. Several dams have had recent inflows, but the Von Bach Dam is currently only 11.4% full, and the Hardap Dam is at 13% capacity.Programmes In line with the ministerial medium-term plan, the water sector is implementing three key programmes: More than N$139.1 million (13.4%) is allocated to integrated water resources management; more than N$867 million is earmarked for water infrastructure development, maintenance and upgrading; and only 3.2%, or N$32.8 million, was allocated for sanitation infrastructure development.The first programme&#039;s budget includes upgrading and equipping the water analysis laboratory to ensure water quality in all corners of Namibia, as well as the development of the water master plan."The feasibility study for the Noordower Vioolsdrift Dam at the Lower Orange River will be completed to ensure water security for the south, especially for those who are solely dependent on this river for water supply," said Shiweda.A feasibility study has been awarded for the extension of the two canals to Namibia from Angola in the areas of Ndombodola and Onamakude.Cuvelai-Etosha basinAccording to Shiweda, the implementation of the geo-hydrological investigation in the Cuvelai-Etosha basin and the quantification of underground resources will continue with the help of the German government.In addition to the second programme&#039;s budget allocation, funds of more than N$1.1 billion have been received from the African Development Bank, according to Shiweda.This will be used for, among other things, the drilling and installation of 40 boreholes and the upgrading of 27 existing boreholes, as well as the excavation and construction of 40 new earthen dams and the upgrading of 14 existing earthen dams.Desalinated waterThe ministry will continue with the development of a new desalination plant at the coast as well as the takeover and upgrade of the existing desalination plant from Orano at Wlotzkasbaken.According to the deputy minister, a feasibility study for another desalination plant is being conducted for the northern regions with an application for funding submitted to the African Development Bank.Shiweda added that sanitation remains a high priority for government in order "to ensure that all Namibians have access to quality sanitation facilities with a view to eradicating open defecation."- francoise@nmh.com.na

N$1 billion budgeted for water sector

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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N$1 billion budgeted for water sector

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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