Namibia has reaffirmed the commitment to achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation by the year 2063.
This was the key message at this year's Africa Public Service Day celebrations held at Swakopmund on Thursday.
The commemoration was held under the theme "Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063."
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called on the government institutions, development partners, communities, and the private sector to work together to ensure sustainable access to water and sanitation for all Namibians.
He highlighted progress in expanding access to water and sanitation while calling for stronger partnerships to improve public service delivery.
Dr. Ngurare outlined the government's achievements made during the 2025/2026 financial year.
These include the drilling of 102 boreholes, with 87 successfully yielding water, the commissioning of 53 additional boreholes, and the construction of more than 2,100 sanitation facilities across the country.
The premier highlighted the recently launched N$2,1 million Erongo SUNAM Desalination Project as a major investment aimed at strengthening Namibia's long-term water security.
His address was read by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani.
"Water is life, and sanitation is dignity. Together, they are foundations of public health, education, food security, economic participation, and human development. The true test of public service delivery is whether every person, regardless of income, gender, age, or location, has access to potable water and dignified sanitation. Where these services are absent, inequality deepens. Where they are available and reliable, communities live dignified lives, especially for our women to gain time for productive work and economic opportunities."
Dr. Ngurare said Namibia is also positioning itself as a leader in water governance following the relocation of the Global Water Partnership Organisation headquarters to Windhoek and the country's selection to host the 2028 International Network of Basin Organisations World Basin Summit.