Niël Terblanché
Phase one of the replacement of a five-kilometre section of the water supply pipeline which is the lifeline of Henties Bay has commenced.
The pipeline which supplies the town water from the Omdel Dam according to the town mayor Lewis Vermaak has seen its days and has been inconveniencing the town when there are breakdowns.
“The pipeline is very old and it’s breaking everywhere. They are now installing a new pipeline and a new reservoir so that Henties Bay can have reliable water supply throughout the year,” he said.
Vermaak added that once the pipeline is completed another line will be connected to the new desalination plant to feed Henties Bay.
“Once that’s completed we will no longer rely on the aquifers alone, we will also be able to get desalinated water,” he said.
The minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, alongside Erongo governor Neville Andre, oversaw the commencement of the project on Thursday.
According to Schlettwein, the upgraded pipeline is not merely an infrastructure enhancement; it will also serve as a lifeline for struggling communities along the coast.
“This initiative is integral to meeting the burgeoning needs of local industries, businesses, and residents, ensuring that Henties Bay can sustain its growth trajectory and continue to serve as a vital hub for tourism and transport,” he said.
Drawing from the rich historical context of the area, Minister Schlettwein reminded attendees of the event that the pipe has defined Henties Bay, from its discovery by early explorers to its development into a key economic region.
“This project aligns with the National Development Plan 5 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II for Vision 2030, underpinning efforts to provide sustainable and accessible water resources to every Namibian,” he said.
Governor Andre praised the collaborative efforts between the government and NamWater that have made this project possible.
“The importance of responsible water usage and infrastructure maintenance will ensure the longevity of the water supply systems and, by extension, the prosperity of the region,” the governor said.
He added that the construction of the pipeline, awarded to Strydom Construction, a Namibian-owned company, also demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering local enterprise and talent.
“This partnership emphasizes a broader vision of progress and self-sufficiency,” he said
He added that as a result of the transformative project, the community of Henties Bay and the larger Erongo Region are set to embark on a path of sustained growth and resilience.
According to Andre, the pipeline replacement project will become the cornerstone upon which a resilient and thriving community will be built.
“The community will be enabled to face the challenges of today as well as to seize the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said.
