Niël Terblanché
Namwater has entered into a contract with institutions that have the capacity to perform water monitoring on a national level on Friday.
The contract has been awarded to a Joint Venture (JV) between German-based GKW Consult GmbH and Namibian firm Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd Consulting Engineers.
NamWater’s chief executive officer, Abraham Nehemia, said that the six-year monitoring consultancy under the Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) project is aimed at strengthening the country’s water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable access to water services.
“The Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) is a critical initiative to address Namibia’s water supply and sanitation challenges. In collaboration with KfW Development Bank, this programme aims to improve access, quality, security, and sustainability of water services across the country. After a rigorous procurement process, we are pleased to appoint GKW Consult GmbH in Joint Venture with Burmeister & Partners as the Monitoring Consultant for this important initiative,” he said.
According to Nehemia, the WSSP 1 is led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) with financial backing from KfW Development Bank.
“NamWater, as the Project Executing Agency, has tasked the JV with overseeing project management, procurement, and monitoring to ensure the programme’s successful implementation over its six-year timeline,” he said.
Nehemia added that the contract includes main services valued at approximately N$40 million and an additional N$2 million for optional services.
He urged the consultants to approach the task with the highest level of diligence and commitment.
“This initiative represents a transformative step in improving Namibia’s water infrastructure and service delivery, ensuring a sustainable future for all,” he said.
Thomas Feidieker, head of cooperation at the German Embassy in Windhoek, stressed the enduring partnership between Namibia and Germany.
“The German government remains committed to supporting Namibia’s Water Sector Support Programme to ensure the country has adequate and sustainable water supply for its development,” he said.
He also reiterated Germany’s willingness to assist Namibia with attaining its development goals.
According to Feidieker, the monitoring consultant’s responsibilities include providing essential managerial, administrative, and technical expertise.
He added that the JV will guide procurement processes and oversee programme monitoring, serving as the Lender’s Engineer for the project.
Christian Klein, representing GKW Consult GmbH, gave the assurance of the JV’s readiness to take on the challenge.
“As the lead consultant, we are fully prepared and understand the magnitude and urgency of this project. Together with our local partner, we will ensure compliance with the Namibia Public Procurement Act, KfW Development Bank, and World Bank guidelines. We are excited to contribute to Namibia’s Water Sector Support Programme,” he said.
Local partner Burmeister & Partners brings extensive experience to the collaboration, having previously worked with NamWater on various projects.
Ronald Kubos, Managing Director at Burmeister & Partners, said the firm is delighted to collaborate with NamWater again.
“Our goal is to effectively address some of Namibia’s most pressing water challenges. We are committed to delivering quality work that complies with all project guidelines and specifications, ensuring that the people of Namibia have access to reliable and sustainable water supply and sanitation infrastructure,” he said.
According to Kubos, the WSSP 1 aims to transform Namibia’s water infrastructure by enhancing resilience and reliability in water service delivery.
He added that periodic missions and full-time representation during the project’s initial stages will ensure meticulous oversight and adherence to project goals.