Allexer Namundjembo
Despite several major dams under its management reaching full capacity following recent rains, NamWater has kept water tariffs for consumers unchanged.
NamWater’s spokesperson Lot Ndamanhomata confirmed the news in response to questions from the Windhoek Observer.
He said the company has not increased tariffs for about five years, despite rising input costs, particularly electricity used for pumping and the chemicals required for water treatment.
“Given these rising operational costs, there are currently no plans to reduce water tariffs,” he said.
NamWater maintains that current rates are necessary to sustain operations, maintain infrastructure, and ensure long-term water security, regardless of dam levels.
Ndamanhomata clarified that NamWater does not sell water directly to consumers but charges for the sourcing, treatment, and delivery of bulk water.
He added that any concerns about water rates charged to residents should be directed to local authorities, as NamWater has not made any tariff changes recently.
“NamWater does not sell the water itself but rather charges for the process of sourcing, treating, and delivering it to consumers,” he said.
While acknowledging the full dams, he said increased rainfall can also lead to higher operating costs due to more complex treatment and pumping requirements.
Recently, dams such as Neckartal, Naute, and Swakoppoort—managed by NamWater—and Avis Dam, owned by the City of Windhoek, have released water after reaching capacity.
NamWater has assured that water will be released in a controlled and monitored manner to prevent flooding and manage downstream flow.
Ndamanhomata also emphasised the importance of long-term planning for dam development. “The construction of dams depends on identifying suitable sites, typically those with the appropriate topography, such as a gorge and basin, which are limited in number,” he said.
While dam construction falls under the central government’s mandate, NamWater continues to explore potential sites and supports such projects when they are economically viable and receive government approval.
