Niël Terblanché
Namibia has taken a significant step forward in addressing its critical water infrastructure and challenges with informal settlement challenges, thanks to a N$383 million grant from the German government.
Signed on Monday, the new agreements are a continuation of decades-long bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Namibia continues to face challenges presented by climate change and rapid urbanization and the new agreements are set to play a key role in the country’s development trajectory.
“This partnership emphasises our shared commitment to addressing Namibia’s pressing developmental needs,” said Obeth Kandjoze, Namibia’s Director General of the National Planning Commission, during the signing ceremony.
The event was attended by key Namibian and German officials, including the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, and German Embassy representatives.
Kandjoze said that the grants will be directed towards critical projects in Namibia’s northern regions and urban informal settlements.
He added that the Ohangwena Groundwater System aims to improve water supply resilience in one of Namibia’s most vulnerable areas.
“This project will install smaller, decentralized water abstraction, treatment, and distribution systems, benefiting approximately 40 000 people who are particularly affected by climate change impacts,” he said.
Kandjoze said the country continues to grapple with severe drought and water shortages while more than 80% of the land is classified as desert or semi-desert.
The Ohangwena Groundwater System project, backed by a N$192 million grant, is part of broader efforts to address these challenges and align with Namibia’s Land Degradation Neutrality targets and climate resilience goals.
The German government also provided N$57 million to support NamWater through capacity building and the incorporation of sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency and solar photovoltaic systems, into water project planning and design.
This funding accompanies a forthcoming concessional loan of N$1.4 billion for Namibia’s Water Sector Support Program (WSSP 2), which will address water infrastructure in northern regions.
Urban development also stands to benefit from this cooperation.
A N$134 million grant is earmarked for upgrading informal settlements, which house between 25% and 40% of Namibia’s population.
Rural and urban development minister, Erastus Uutoni said that residents of these settlements lack basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation.
He said the project aims to provide reliable infrastructure while improving land tenure and economic opportunities for low-income groups.
“Upgrading concepts will be developed with the participation of local communities to ensure their needs and priorities are reflected,” he said.
Germany’s support for Namibia’s development spans decades, with over N$32.3 billion allocated since 1990.
The current portfolio includes over 40 projects valued at N$15.4 billion, which is another demonstration of the strong and sustained partnership between the two nations.
“This cooperation is not just about infrastructure; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for our people and creating opportunities for economic growth,” Uutoni said.
