Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), is considering a six-month pilot project aimed at optimising the retail water supply process.
The initiative was unveiled at a stakeholder engagement session in Ondangwa on Wednesday and seeks to modernise Namibia’s water distribution system using smart technologies to address longstanding inefficiencies.
During the discussions, NamWater’s chief executive officer, Abraham Nehemia, stressed the necessity of the project, citing persistent challenges in the sector.
“Water supply in north-western Namibia has evolved significantly, but challenges such as non-payment, inefficient billing, and infrastructure constraints persist. This pilot project aims to integrate smart technologies to improve service delivery, ensure financial sustainability, and promote responsible water use,” he said.
Nehemia informed stakeholders that the Okashandja–Olweege branch line has been selected as the test site for the pilot project which is aimed at streamlining billing and improving infrastructure.
He added that key components of the initiative include the deployment of smart metering technology for real-time water usage monitoring, the introduction of automated billing systems to enhance revenue collection efficiency, infrastructure upgrades to detect and repair leaks, and the implementation of digital payment platforms to provide both prepaid and post-paid options for consumers.
“Namibia’s water sector is facing mounting pressures due to climate change, persistent droughts, and ageing infrastructure,” he said.
Nehemia added that the transition from fixed community contributions to NamWater’s cost-recovery model has exacerbated financial difficulties, leading to increased debt and the abandonment of communal water points.
“These factors prompted a comprehensive review of the sector, culminating in NamWater’s Five-Year Strategy (2023–2028), which prioritises improved service delivery and financial sustainability,” he said.
Nehemia added that the pilot project will serve as a test case for evaluating the feasibility and impact of the proposed water management solutions.
He said that if successful, NamWater will develop a full-scale implementation strategy to expand the initiative to other regions across Namibia.
“Namwater is also collaborating with telecommunications provider MTC to integrate digital solutions such as cloud computing, data analytics, and mobile payment platforms into its service delivery model,” he said.
Nehemia stated that NamWater is intent on modernising Namibia’s water sector and ensuring efficient and equitable access to clean water for all communities.
Elia Irimari, the Oshana Regional Governor, applauded the initiative and urged broad stakeholder support.
“Water is the foundation of development, and access to clean, reliable supply is a fundamental right. By integrating smart water metering and digital innovations, this pilot project can set a new standard for Namibia’s water sector. I urge all stakeholders to support this initiative and contribute to its success,” he said.
The governor added that continuous engagement with stakeholders will be a key priority to ensure its successful rollout and long-term sustainability.
