Farmers and residents in northern Namibia can look forward to a more reliable supply of drinking water as utility NamWater begins the reconstruction of the 50-year-old, 150 km-long Calueque-Oshakati water canal.

Work has already started on the first phase of the project – a 5.8 km section from Omahanene to Olushandja – which will cost NAD93.5 million. New Era reports that the reconstruction of the entire canal, which draws water from the Calueque dam in Angola, will ultimately cost billions.

It is no longer feasible to maintain the existing canal, which is losing water through leaks and vandalism.

‘There comes a time when maintenance costs become unsustainable, such that total reconstruction of the canal becomes necessary,’ Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The reconstruction project is expected to ensure an adequate water supply to four water treatment plants in Namibia, including the Oshakati plant, whose capacity is being doubled at a cost of NAD500 million.

23 February 2021
Image: CES