NamWater has begun installing pre-paid water meters in Keetmanshoop to curb escalating debt and improve water management. Spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata confirmed the system will come into effect once installations are complete.
Local authorities owe Namwater more than N$7.5 billion, with some diverting government funds meant for prepaid water meters to other uses, Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa revealed in the National Assembly.
The Opuwo Town Council owes about N$60 million to NamWater amid critical water challenges, which continue to affect households, businesses, and overall economic productivity.
NamWater dams have recorded a notable change this week with the overall water capacity standing at 79,4 percent compared to 78,6 percent in the previous week.
Dams in the south and western part of the country recorded the highest levels, followed by the Windhoek dams and central dams.
The Office of the Kunene Governor and various government institutions have embarked on a mission, as directed by the president, to assess the proposed Purros Dam site in the region.
NamWater's dam levels across Namibia show mixed results, with some reservoirs rising and others declining slightly.
According to NamWater's latest weekly dam bulletin, the country's total storage stands at 80.9%, a slight drop from last week.
NamWater says unpaid water bills have reached N$2.8 billion as of 30 November 2025.
According to Lot Ndamanomhata, a spokesperson for NamWater, the increase in unpaid accounts affects the financial position of the bulk water supplier.
Rehoboth mayor Jacky ǂKhariseb says the planned suspension of the town’s water supply by NamWater has been put on hold following engagements between stakeholders.
The town owes the water utility N$150 million.
Water flow from the Von Bach dam is stabilising after a recent power supply interruption affecting the main booster station due to heavy rains.
NamWater is owed a total of N$2.8 billion by various entities, an amount that poses a serious risk to national water security.
It is, therefore, urgently calling on local authorities, government institutions, industries and all consumers to settle their accounts.
