Niël Terblanché
NamWater has commissioned the Katima Mulilo Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project, aimed at addressing the border town’s growing water needs.
The project, fully funded by NamWater at a cost of N$10.56 million, was inaugurated on Tuesday by NamWater’s Chief Executive Officer, Abraham Nehemia.
Nehemia said that the pipeline is a critical infrastructure investment that came as a timely intervention, ensuring a more reliable water supply for the town and its surrounding areas.
The replacement project is a response to the rapid growth in Katima Mulilo’s population, which has surged from an initial 8 000 residents to over 45 000.
“This sharp increase in population has placed significant strain on the town’s ageing water infrastructure, leading to frequent disruptions in supply,” he said.
Nehemia indicated that the new pipeline is designed to have a capacity of 1 200 cubic meters of water per hour.
“This is to ensure sufficient capacity to meet the town’s future water demands for decades to come,” he added.
The original pipeline, installed in 1979, had served its purpose for 45 years but had become unreliable due to the town’s expansion.
The new pipeline, constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is expected to have a lifespan of between 50 and 100 years.
According to Nehemeia, the modernised infrastructure will significantly reduce maintenance costs and service interruptions.
He stressed the importance of water security for sustainable development.
“Water has always been recognised as a catalyst for development. By securing a stable water supply, we are laying the foundation for economic and social progress,” he said.
He also highlighted NamWater’s commitment to providing reliable water services to all Namibians, with the Katima Mulilo project being a crucial step toward achieving this goal.
According to Nehemia, the project was designed and executed by NamWater’s in-house engineering team, showcasing the organisation’s technical expertise and commitment to utilising local talent.
A local contractor carried out the construction, employing 26 Namibians from the community.
“The involvement of people from local communities not only created jobs but also contributed to the region’s economic development,” he added.
The development is part of Namibia’s broader water security and sustainable development goals, ensuring that even remote regions benefit from improved access to water resources.
During the commissioning, Bernard Sisamu, who represented the Governor of the Zambezi Region, Lawrence Sampofu, praised the project.
“Water is the lifeblood of development. This new pipeline is not just infrastructure development but also the foundation upon which we will build a brighter future for the people of Katima Mulilo and beyond,” he said.
Sisamu stressed that the reliable water supply will benefit key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and business.
In addition to improving the water supply in Katima Mulilo, the new pipeline will extend water services to nearby communities, including Sibbinda, Linyanti, and Bukalo.
“NamWater’s investment in the pipeline replacement project reaffirms its long-standing mission of ‘Water for All, Forever’,” he said.
He said that by addressing both the immediate and future water needs of Katima Mulilo, NamWater continues to play a vital role in supporting the nation’s economic and social development.
According to Sisamu, the Katima Mulilo Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project is a significant achievement in Namibia’s efforts to secure water for its people and drive development across the region.
