Windhoek: The Republic of Namibia has pledged to scale up investment in water and sanitation infrastructure through domestic financing, concessional loans, grants, and private partnerships in a bid to ensure universal access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
According to South African Government News Agency, Namibian Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, acknowledged the significant gaps in water infrastructure investment and emphasized the urgent need for rapid solutions. Speaking at the African Union-Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) summit, Zaamwani expressed Namibia's readiness to contribute towards closing the continent's water and sanitation investment gap, aligning with the AU's Agenda 2063 Vision of 'The Africa We Want.'
Zaamwani highlighted that investment in the water sector is crucial for ensuring universal access to safe and reliable drinking water and sanitation, as well as advancing food security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development. She stressed the importance of attracting private sector investment, requiring robust governance frameworks, institutional strengthening, operational efficiency, and regulatory reforms as enabling conditions for investors.
Namibia, despite being one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa and facing acute water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, is determined to turn these challenges into opportunities. The country aims to foster innovation, partnerships, and sustainable investment in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6, targeting universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.
Zaamwani announced the approval of allocating 5% of the national budget for water and sanitation investment by Namibia's Cabinet. Under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, N$2.8 billion (approximately USD 150 million) will support rural water supply schemes and sanitation facilities targeting underserved communities.
In addition, Namibia has secured about N$4 billion in concessional loans from the African Development Bank and Development Bank for the next mid-term expenditure. These resources are earmarked for large-scale projects aimed at improving bulk water conveyance, rehabilitating aging infrastructure, and expanding sanitation coverage in both rural and urban areas.
Namibia and South Africa have also committed USD 2.5 million for a joint feasibility study on the proposed Noordoewer-Vioolsdrift Dam on the Orange River, which is expected to cost about USD 231 million to build. The project is crucial for long-term water security and socio-economic development of the two nations, as well as meeting the Ecological Water Requirements in the Lower Orange River.
Plans for a coastal desalination plant through a public-private partnership were also highlighted by Zaamwani. This facility will supply water to the mining sector, critical to Namibia's economy, and coastal towns, alleviating pressure on limited local groundwater sources.
The project reflects Namibia's commitment to diversifying water sources, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting economic growth. Namibia's investment drive extends beyond infrastructure to building institutional and technical capacity for sustainable operation and maintenance.
Zaamwani concluded by recognizing that water security is inseparable from food security, energy security, public health, tourism, and economic competitiveness. Therefore, Namibia approaches water investment not as an isolated sectoral issue but as a driver of national development and regional integration.