Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has announced steady progress on the N$141.8 million expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project aims to meet the increasing water needs of Outapi Town and surrounding communities in the Omusati Region.
NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said in a statement on Monday that work has already started and is moving forward.
“We are pleased to share that progress is moving steadily and visible work is taking shape,” he said. He added that the project was launched to meet the growing water needs of the region.
The existing plant, commissioned in 2001, has served as a key water source for over two decades.
With Outapi’s rapid urbanisation and population growth, the plant has reached its capacity limits. Ndamanomhata said the upgrade will more than double the plant’s capacity from 180 cubic metres per hour to 438 cubic metres per hour. The expansion aims to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for the future.
He said the project includes several improvements, such as increased water capacity, enhanced water quality to meet Namibia’s New Water Quality Standards, and support for regional growth by providing clean water to households, businesses, and industries.
The construction is being carried out by a joint venture between China Jiangxi International and Homefin Properties, combining international experience with local expertise. The project is expected to be completed within 16 months.
At the official launch of the project last year, the former Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, said the government is committed to providing safe, reliable, and equitable access to water for all Namibians.
He said safe drinking water is fundamental to public health and that the upgraded plant will feature state-of-the-art filtration and purification systems to meet Namibia’s new water quality standards.
Ndamanomhata said the initiative forms part of NamWater’s broader plan to improve water infrastructure across the country. He highlighted similar projects, including the recent N$665 million Rundu Water Treatment Plant extension, launched with the African Development Bank, to meet the anticipated water demand by 2037.
