Niël Terblanché
Keetmanshoop is hosting the second Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), a critical platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to address the country’s pressing water security challenges.
The three-day event, convened by the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, on Tuesday, will focus on the theme, “Water Security: A Generational Human Right for Sustainable Economic Development.”
The governor of the Omaheke region, Pijoo Nganate, opened the symposium by stressing the urgent need for collaboration and commitment in securing Namibia’s water future.
“Water is the single most powerful resource that unites us all. This symposium is not just about discussions; it is about forging real solutions to ensure that every drop counts,” he said.
The event amidst growing pressure on Namibia’s limited water resources, especially in the Hardap, Omaheke, and //Kharas regions, where major economic projects such as green hydrogen production, uranium leaching, and irrigation schemes at the Neckartal Dam require careful water management.
A crucial aspect of the discussions over the next few days will be centred on the role of youth in securing Namibia’s water future.
Nganate stressed that young people must be engaged as active participants in water governance.
“Young people are not just the future—they are the present. Their involvement ensures that water security remains a priority for generations to come,” he said.
The minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, in his opening remarks, acknowledged the delicate balance between economic progress and environmental sustainability.
“We must work together to ensure that these projects align with our broader sustainability goals and that water remains available and safe for all,” he urged.
As the driest country in Southern Africa, Namibia faces a host of water-related challenges, exacerbated by climate change and increasing demand from industries and growing populations.
Schlettwein said that the implementation of the Water Resource Management Act 11 of 2013, which came into effect in August 2023, was a significant step forward in providing a structured framework for water governance.
“This legal framework serves as a guide for all water users and ensures that sustainable management remains a national priority,” he said.
The NRWS was first convened in 2023 to facilitate dialogue and cooperation on water issues across Namibia.
While the planned 2024 symposium was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, this year’s event has reignited discussions on water conservation, rural sanitation, and integrated water resource management.
Schlettwein praised the symposium’s inclusive approach, which welcomes voices from grassroots communities, traditional leaders, water service providers, and the private sector.
“Water security cannot be achieved by a single entity—it requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment from all of us,” he said.
The minister added that the government’s efforts to expand water-related infrastructure and bolster regulatory frameworks were also highlighted.
Special attention was given to the need for a more robust response to industrial water consumption, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
With Namibia’s economic future increasingly tied to large-scale industrial projects, ensuring sustainable water use remains a top priority.
According to Schlettwein, stakeholders are expected to outline actionable strategies to improve Namibia’s water resilience and address the growing demand for equitable water access.
“Let us seize this opportunity to build a future where every Namibian has access to reliable and sustainable water resources,” he said.
