As the rehabilitation of the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken pipeline is set to begin in early August, the Erongo Governor is calling for quality workmanship, warning that the nearly N$87 million  investment must be built to last.

The pipeline replacement project is aimed at strengthening water security along Namibia's central coast by replacing a 10-kilometre section of ageing infrastructure that has served the region for more than four decades.

"Erongo region has got all 14 Namibians, all 14 indigenous people in this region and when we serve Erongo region I'm on record we serve Namibia. therefore Erongo region should not receive the handouts and the leftovers because its a region which is nan economic hub, this is a region that takes the largest GDP to our national coffers," stated Governor of the Erongo Region, Natalia |Goagoses, .

At the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor called on the contractor, UNIK Engineering, to deliver a durable pipeline that provides value for money.

"So yours that you are going to replace to the tune of 86 million must at least last 100 years. We don't want pipes to be constructed for N$86 million, and 10 years later we come back again and pay another N$100 million because the prices of the resources and other items are increasing."

She further encouraged local engineers and technical teams to use the project as an opportunity to strengthen skills and build Namibia's own expertise in major infrastructure development.

Namwater's engineers, who are Namibians, were responsible for designing the project internally.

"I also want to thank all the senior management which has impressed me, the civil engineers of NamWater, and colleagues. I'm very proud to see that Namibia is in very good hands. Let us monitor this project, let us study our colleagues, and let us build Namibia. Vision 2030, not Natalia's, calls for Namibia to become industrialised."

Dr |Goagoses also urged residents to protect the infrastructure, warning against vandalism and theft that could undermine public investments.