The ageing Kuiseb Collector 2-Schwarzekuppe-Swakopmund water pipeline is undergoing final upgrades costing close to N$84 million.
The water pipeline has served the coastal area for more than five decades.
NamWater has been upgrading and modernising the 73-kilometer pipeline in phases.
The project, funded by the Namibian Government and the German Development Bank, is expected to ensure reliable, sustainable, and climate-resilient water infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruth Masake explained.
“This project will improve the reliability of water delivery to more than 200,000 residents of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Arandis and Henties Bay, while strengthening the resilience of one of Namibia's most strategic water supply systems. It will also enhance NamWater's operational efficiency by reducing water losses, lowering maintenance costs and ensuring uninterrupted water supply to households, businesses and industries.”
Country Director of the German Development Bank Beatrice Lucke also weigh in.
“Together, we are investing not only in pipes and pumps, but in resilient public services that underpin economic growth, support tourism and industry, protect public health, and improve, and this is the most important, the quality of life of communities along Namibia's coast.”
Five kilometers of the pipeline will be installed above ground using modern materials, while the remaining four kilometers will be installed underground, isolating it from severe corrosion under the harsh coastal conditions of the Namib Desert.
NamWater's Chief Executive Officer, Abraham Nehemia explained the entity’s challenges.
“Those pipes that are above ground, you see them rusting sooner than one could anticipate. So the coating that's used on this material that we are going to use will also be used to test as to whether what we are doing now will help us to deal with the corrosion of the pipes.”
Upgrades on the nine kilometre stretch began in the second week of July, with completion expected after 12 months.
Zhong Mei Engineering Group is the contractor for the project.