WINDHOEK: The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has signed a contract for extending and upgrading the Outapi Water Treatment Works to meet the growing water demand in the Omusati Region.

The N.dollars 123 million contract has been awarded to a joint venture between China Jiangxi International and Homefin Properties.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Windhoek on Tuesday, NamWater Chief Executive Officer, Abraham Nehemia, said the project marks a significant step forward in ensuring a reliable and increased water supply to Outapi and the surrounding areas.

The Outapi Water Treatment Plant serves not only the town of Outapi, but also the rural pipelines, he said.

Nehemia noted that due to a growing urban population and increased water demand, the existing plant, commissioned in 2001, is under severe pressure.

‘The current plant at Outapi is running at full capacity. We urge our contractors to ensure that the project is finalised within the agreed timeline. The government, through NamWater, has mobi
lised the necessary resources to address the issue of sustainable water supply, as water serves as the catalyst for any development. Our commitment to ‘water for all, forever’ drives us to ensure that every Namibian has access to clean and reliable water,’ said Nehemia.

According to NamWater, the upgraded facility will have a capacity of 438 cubic meters per hour, producing potable water that meets the new water quality standards and ensures compliant effluent treatment.

China Jiangxi International’s business manager, Ouyang Fenfen, promised to complete the project within the expected timeframe of 16 months.

‘We are prepared to work diligently and ensure that this project meets all standards and is completed on time,’ he said, adding that his company has a 20-year reputation for constructing buildings and water pipelines in Namibia.

NamWater has launched several projects as part of its strategy to ensure water security in Namibia. These include the N.dollars 91 million Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime pipeline repl
acement project, which aims to address water challenges in the Oshikoto and Oshana regions.

The water utility is also working on the N.dollars 250 million Ohangwena aquifer project, which targets water challenges in the Ohangwena Region. NamWater also recently commenced the construction of a N.dollars 665 million water purification plant in Rundu in the Kavango East Region.

Source: The Namibia News Agency