Erongo pipeline projects to boost water supply
The commissioning of phase one of the Henties Bay extension and upgrade pipeline project as well as the Kuiseb Collector 2 Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund pipeline replacement project phase three, officially took place last week at Henties Bay and near Utuseb, respectively.
Erongo governor Neville Andre said the two critical water infrastructure projects will have a profound impact on the future of the region as well as the country.
The projects "represent not only major investments in our infrastructure but also a long-term commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Henties Bay, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and surrounding areas," he said.
"As we face the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, increased water demand and climate variability, the need for reliable and sustainable water infrastructure is more pressing than ever. These projects will address these challenges head-on, providing the critical water supply necessary to support our communities, industries, and economy.”
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia explained that the phase one Henties Bay extension and upgrade is crucial for meeting the increasing water demand driven by both population growth and seasonal tourism.
“The five-kilometre pipeline replacement will improve service reliability, reduce water losses and enhance the overall efficiency of the water supply system. It is an essential project not just for Henties Bay but also for the larger Erongo Region, ensuring that residents, businesses and tourists alike have access to reliable water throughout the year.”
Nehemia said phase three of the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline replacement is another key initiative that will improve water security for the coastal areas.
“Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are not only major tourist destinations but also home to key industries, including mining and fisheries. A reliable water supply is fundamental to sustaining these sectors, and the replacement of the old pipeline infrastructure with more efficient systems will support economic growth while reducing the risk of supply interruptions.”
Redefining projects
Namibian construction company Strydo Construction has been appointed as the contractor for the two pipelines.
Agriculture and water minister Calle Schlettwein explained that on 11 April, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Henties Bay pipeline upgrade project took place.
“On 27 June 2024, we participated in the discussion about development initiatives here at Henties Bay, which promise to redefine Namibia's maritime and industrial landscape. We specifically responded to the demand of your council for a reliable and sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure and service provision to the town in order to enable you to roll out the developmental plan.”
He added that the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund pipeline replacement represents a major step in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the water distribution system.
“This project involves the replacement of the old, outdated pipeline systems with modern, robust infrastructure that will significantly improve the security of water supply to the critical coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and surrounding areas. The upgraded infrastructure will also contribute to a reduction in water loss, ensuring more efficient distribution and better service delivery to both residential and industrial users in this vital economic hub.”
Scarce resource
Schlettwein called on the Erongo governor to task town councils to seriously work on replacing old water infrastructure to minimise the accounted water losses.
“These two components are part of a wholesale transition, modernisation and upgrading of the bulk water infrastructure for the west coast area to be fit for purpose until 2037. We are developing a truly integrated bulk water system in the area, a system that can supply water from any of the principal sources to any point of demand."
The minister added that through developing an integrated bulk water infrastructure and system, “we have achieved greater security of supply and resilience in supplying safe water to all citizens of the west coast, where fresh water is extremely scarce.”
Erongo governor Neville Andre said the two critical water infrastructure projects will have a profound impact on the future of the region as well as the country.
The projects "represent not only major investments in our infrastructure but also a long-term commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Henties Bay, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and surrounding areas," he said.
"As we face the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, increased water demand and climate variability, the need for reliable and sustainable water infrastructure is more pressing than ever. These projects will address these challenges head-on, providing the critical water supply necessary to support our communities, industries, and economy.”
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia explained that the phase one Henties Bay extension and upgrade is crucial for meeting the increasing water demand driven by both population growth and seasonal tourism.
“The five-kilometre pipeline replacement will improve service reliability, reduce water losses and enhance the overall efficiency of the water supply system. It is an essential project not just for Henties Bay but also for the larger Erongo Region, ensuring that residents, businesses and tourists alike have access to reliable water throughout the year.”
Nehemia said phase three of the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund Pipeline replacement is another key initiative that will improve water security for the coastal areas.
“Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are not only major tourist destinations but also home to key industries, including mining and fisheries. A reliable water supply is fundamental to sustaining these sectors, and the replacement of the old pipeline infrastructure with more efficient systems will support economic growth while reducing the risk of supply interruptions.”
Redefining projects
Namibian construction company Strydo Construction has been appointed as the contractor for the two pipelines.
Agriculture and water minister Calle Schlettwein explained that on 11 April, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Henties Bay pipeline upgrade project took place.
“On 27 June 2024, we participated in the discussion about development initiatives here at Henties Bay, which promise to redefine Namibia's maritime and industrial landscape. We specifically responded to the demand of your council for a reliable and sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure and service provision to the town in order to enable you to roll out the developmental plan.”
He added that the Kuiseb-Collector 2-Swakopmund pipeline replacement represents a major step in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the water distribution system.
“This project involves the replacement of the old, outdated pipeline systems with modern, robust infrastructure that will significantly improve the security of water supply to the critical coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and surrounding areas. The upgraded infrastructure will also contribute to a reduction in water loss, ensuring more efficient distribution and better service delivery to both residential and industrial users in this vital economic hub.”
Scarce resource
Schlettwein called on the Erongo governor to task town councils to seriously work on replacing old water infrastructure to minimise the accounted water losses.
“These two components are part of a wholesale transition, modernisation and upgrading of the bulk water infrastructure for the west coast area to be fit for purpose until 2037. We are developing a truly integrated bulk water system in the area, a system that can supply water from any of the principal sources to any point of demand."
The minister added that through developing an integrated bulk water infrastructure and system, “we have achieved greater security of supply and resilience in supplying safe water to all citizens of the west coast, where fresh water is extremely scarce.”
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