Central dams at critical levels
NamWater, the City of Windhoek and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform have examined the critical water situation in the central areas of the country.
Every drop counts, NamWater chief executive Abraham Nehemia said.An urgent warning has been released that the dams in the central area of Namibia's combined water level of 18% will not last until the next rainy season.
The Omatako dam is almost empty at a level of 0.2% and Swakoppoort is 35.5%l.
Von Bach dam outside Okahandja's level is only at 11.3%. The water level is so low that the water does not even reach the locks at the dam wall.
An island sticks out in the middle of the empty pond. The strong smell of soil and sulphur from the water must be softened by filtration systems at the Von Bach's water treatment plant where dead fish float.
NamWater, the City of Windhoek and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform hosted a media tour to the Von Bach dam on Wednesday to examine the critical water situation in the central area of the country.
Challenges of water shortages in arid Namibia, as well as short-, medium- and long-term plans were also put on the table.
The chief water engineer of the City of Windhoek, Sebastian Husselmann issued a warning to consumers that if water is not saved, there will not be sufficient water until the next rainy season.
He confirmed that stakeholders will meet today about the worrying water levels and discuss the demand for the next 12 months.
Husselmann said that with the poor rainy season, the City of Windhoek had to implement water restrictions and water must be saved urgently.
"We will have to push consumers for stricter water conservation. There will possibly be a move to stricter category E water restrictions."
Category C
Water restrictions from the City of Windhoek are currently at category C.
The biggest water wasters include government enterprises, schools and residences and car wash businesses.
Regarding the long-term projects for an arid country like Namibia, NamWater's acting head of engineering services, Saltiel Shaanika said the desalination plant would be too expensive at N$5 billion, especially with Windhoek's height above sea level.
"A pipeline from the southern dams is also not sustainable, especially with the low level of the Hardap dam." The only viable option is the Okavango pipeline, he said.
"In February Cabinet confirmed that the construction of apipeline from the Okavango River will continue and earthworks have already begun."
Nehemiah emphasised that the Okavango pipeline project of N$7 billion over five to seven years cannot be delayed any longer. He says that this is the only option for the medium and long term.
"The idea is not to pump water from the Okavango all the time; only when it is in flood in the rainy season. At the end of each rainy season, we will have enough water in our dams. It is only a backup system," said Nehemia.
According to Shaanika, short and medium projects for consideration include water from the Kombat Mine at N$40 million.
"The groundwater from boreholes at Berg Aukas is being investigated, as well as boreholes for Windhoek."
There is also an investigation into the Abenab aquifer north of Grootfontein, "but it is a large farming area".
A second recycling plant is planned in Windhoek which will possibly be completed in 2029. - [email protected]