N$3.6bn needed to avoid water shortages

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKNamibia needs to invest about N$3.6 billion to avoid water shortages within two to four years.This is according to water and agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, who said the water sector faces serious challenges.Schlettwein said more than N$929.1 million of the ministry's budget has been allocated to the sector for the 2020/21 financial year.From this, more than N$656 million, or 71%, is earmarked for capital projects in the water sector. N$80 million will go towards the coronavirus water subsidy, while the remaining N$272 million, or 29.4%, is intended for operational expenditures.“Of the total allocation earmarked for capital projects, an amount of N$528 923 million is provided for the settlement of claims by the contractor of Neckartal Dam,” he said. ADB loanSchlettwein said under the Water Supply Security Programme a loan of N$1.8 billion has been secured from the African Development Bank for certain projects, leaving a shortfall of N$1.8 billion.“For this financial year, an amount of N$360 million is required as government co-financing, of which only N$73 million is allocated.”He said alternative funding options will have to be found during the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period to avoid a serious water crisis in any part of the country.Projects mentioned under the Water Supply Security Programme for this financial year include the upgrading of the Gammams reclamation plant, the Kombat–Berg Aukas power supply and the refurbishment of the Von Bach pump stations to enhance water supply to central Namibia.Schlettwein also mentioned the refurbishment of the Kuiseb collector 2 and replacement of the Schwarzekuppe-Swakopmund, and the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken pipelines to improve water supply to the central coastal areas.The Oshakati water treatment plant and the Rundu purification plant also needs to be upgraded to improve water supply in the central northern areas and the Kavango East Region, particularly in Rundu and surrounding areas, he said.

N$3.6bn needed to avoid water shortages

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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N$3.6bn needed to avoid water shortages

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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