Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Session in Ondangwa on 29 January, for the Pilot Project on the Optimisation of the Retail Water Supply Process for Okashandja–Olweege Branchline.
The session brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, water consumers, and technology partners, to deliberate on modernising Namibia’s water supply system.
Delivering the project purpose, NamWater Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abraham Nehemia, highlighted the historical challenges in water supply management, stating that, “Water supply in north-western Namibia has evolved significantly, but challenges such as non-payment, inefficient billing, and infrastructure constraints persist.”
Nehemia further said that, “This pilot project aims to integrate smart technologies to improve service delivery, ensure financial sustainability, and promote responsible water use.”
Namibia’s water sector faces increasing pressure due to climate change, droughts, and ageing infrastructure.
The shift from fixed community contributions to NamWater’s cost-recovery model has also presented difficulties, with rising debt levels leading to disputes and the abandonment of communal water points.
Nehemia said that these challenges have necessitated a comprehensive review of the sector, culminating in NamWater’s Five-Year Strategy (2023–2028), which includes the establishment of a Retail Division to enhance operational efficiency.
He pointed out that the Okashandja–Olweege Pilot Project, which will run for six months starting January 2025, is a critical step in this transformation.
Its objectives include “smart metering technology – deploying smart meters for real-time water usage monitoring”, “automated billing systems – enhancing accuracy and efficiency in revenue collection”, “infrastructure upgrades – repairing and replacing outdated pipes and leak detection systems”, and “digital payment platforms – implementing prepaid and post-paid options for affordability and convenience”.
Oshana Governor Mr Elia Irimari welcomed the initiative and commended NamWater for its proactive leadership, stating, “Water is the foundation of development, and access to clean, reliable supply is a fundamental right.
“By integrating smart water metering and digital innovations, this pilot project can set a new standard for Namibia’s water sector. I urge all stakeholders to support this initiative and contribute to its success.”
The pilot project will serve as a test case to assess the feasibility and impact of optimising the retail water supply process.
Upon successful completion, NamWater will develop a full-scale implementation strategy to extend these solutions to other regions across Namibia.
NamWater is also working closely with MTC to leverage digital solutions such as cloud computing, data analytics, and mobile payment platforms to modernise service delivery.
As the project progresses, stakeholders will continue to be engaged in consultations to ensure its success.
NamWater reaffirmed its commitment to driving efficiency, sustainability, and financial viability in Namibia’s water sector.
In the photo: Water supply stakeholders who attended the “water session” in Ondangwa.
