[President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 13 November 2025 inaugurated the Ohangwena 2 Wellfield Water Supply System, at Eenhana. Here is her keynote speech at the event.]
“Ladies and Gentlemen, As we say in Namibia, water is life. Truly water is life it sustains us, nourishes our animals, our vegetation and drives our development.
It is for this reason that water was identified as one of the Enablers of the Key Priorities in the 2024 SWAPO Party Election Manifesto and its Implementation Plan.
Without water, there can be no health, no growth, and no development. We all know that without access to clean and reliable water, our aspirations for progress and shared prosperity would remain unfulfilled. The power of water as a catalyst for development cannot be overstated.
Against that background, today we have a reason to celebrate as we inaugurate Ohangwena II Wellfield Water Supply System, that will provide water to many communities within its range.
It is a well known fact that access to safe and reliable water is not a privilege — it is a human right and a foundation of human dignity.
That is why the Namibian Government has consistently demonstrated its dedication to ensuring that all citizens have access to reliable water supply that meets national standards in both quantity and quality.
Since Independence, our government has placed water security at the heart of our development agenda. From Kunene to //Kharas, from the Zambezi to the Atlantic coast, we are committed to ensuring that every community, every school, every hospital, and every household have access to clean and safe water.
I am saying this fully cognizant of the fact that, while most parts of the country has access to clean water we still have pockets where water security remain a challenge including some parts of Ohangwena region.
However all efforts are being made to address those challenges, hence our gathering here today to witness an improved water supply to the targeted areas in Ohangwena region.
What is happening here today highlights the Namibian Government’s policy to prioritize the provision of sufficient quality water to our citizens, that eventually reached the Ohangwena Region.
We must be reminded that quality water provision is one of our national strategic goals, as outlined in the National Development Plans (NDP6), Namibia Water Sector Support Program (WSSP), and Vision 2030, a clear commitment of our government to our people that we have to fulfill.
Distinguished Community Members, The Ohangwena II Water Supply Scheme Project is part of the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme and represents a comprehensive solution to the growing water needs of Eenhana Town and its surrounding communities.
As it is the case with all upcoming towns, Eenhana is facing population growth and need for more infrastructure development, thus putting pressure on water security.
The Ohangwena II Water Supply Scheme Project estimated to cost N$250 million (excluding VAT), will optimise the existing schemes and ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply to meet the anticipated target of year 2037 demand of 10 million litres per day (MLD).
This project is implemented not in isolation, it is part of the national water management system which include this project, Ohangwena II Aquifer, the Oshakati new purification plant, the Rundu’s new purification plant and many other related projects that are being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
What we are inaugurating today will bring about reliable access to safe drinking water for the areas between Omafo-Eenhana and Omakango-Onambutu-Eenhana, aligning with the Government’s infrastructural development goals to foster socio-economic growth for national development agenda.
In addition to this significant project we are commissioning today, the Government of the Republic of Namibia remains fully committed to ensuring that every part of the Ohangwena Region, including its eastern settlements, has access to clean, safe, and reliable water.
The second phase of the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme (WSSP II), will also commence soon. Under the second face, three key projects will be implemented: 1. The Omundaungilo–Omutsegwonime Bulk Water Pipeline Project. That is a major bulk water pipeline infrastructure, from Omundaungilo, supplied along its route with water from the Ohangwena II Aquifer, and extending all the way to Omutsegwonime in the Oshikoto Region.
Once operational, this pipeline will alleviate long-standing water shortages and strengthen supply reliability for the communities between these two centres.
And, 2. The Water Treatment Package Plants Project to improve immediate access to potable water. This project will install 15 modern water treatment units at existing ministerial boreholes across the Ohangwena and Oshikoto Regions.
These facilities will treat saline groundwater to make it safe for human consumption, improving both the quality and availability of water for thousands of households.
Then, 3. The Ohangwena Aquifer Climate Resilient Water Supply Project. This flagship initiative focuses on harnessing the full potential of the Ohangwena II Aquifer to provide sustainable, climate-resilient water solutions.
It will expand groundwater infrastructure, reduce dependence on vulnerable surface sources, and introduce solar-powered treatment systems where required.
Through the development of decentralised wellfields and a 240-kilometre pipeline network, the project will directly benefit more than 40,000 people in the northern regions.
Together, these projects form a comprehensive and forward-looking response to Namibia’s water challenges. They embody our national commitment to ensuring that no Namibian is left behind, and that every household, no matter how remote, can rely on clean and safe water.
This is the essence of sustainable development — where policy meets purpose by turning a vision into tangible change. Through these investments, we are not only delivering water — we are delivering hope, opportunity, and dignity to our people.
Water is life, this whole project in it’s different faces is estimated to cost N$4.8 billion.
As the President of this country, I reaffirm our Government, a SWAPO Party led government’s unwavering commitment to continue investing in critical sectors of our economy, including water infrastructure, all over the country as appropriate.
One good example is the Neckartal Dam in //Karas region. We are building a network of life-sustaining infrastructure that will secure Namibia’s future for generations.
As we move toward a climate-resilient Namibia, the Government remains committed to working with our partners—international institutions, the private sector, and local communities—to secure sustainable water for all.
We thank our developmental partners, specifically the African Development Bank and KFW. Your partnership is not only financial, but a vote of confidence in Namibia’s vision for sustainable development.
The reform of international financial institutions is long overdue. That is why these financial systems must change. They must become fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of developing nations that are most at risk.
I commend NamWater for its tireless efforts to ensure “Water for All, Forever.”
The successful completion of this project not only meets the immediate water supply needs but also enhances overall compliance with national water quality standards.
More importantly, it brings transformative change to the livelihoods of the people in Ohangwena region.
Access to clean, safe, and reliable water is fundamental to health, economic development, and social well-being. Water has a far-reaching positive impacts, from improved public health to increased agricultural productivity and overall community upliftment.
And NamWater’s achievement in delivering this project on time reflects dedication to service excellence.
Director of Ceremonies; I commend the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, our contractors, engineers, and communities for their commitment throughout this journey.
This achievement shows that when we unite behind a shared vision, nothing is impossible.
Moving forward, we must remember that water infrastructure and treatment come at great cost. Paying for water services ensures sustainability and directly contributes to our nation’s development.
I urge citizens to pay their bills on time, care for public infrastructure, and protect it against vandalism—because damage to these facilities increases costs and harms us all.
However, water must always remain affordable and accessible to all.
To the people of Ohangwena and all Namibians in general — this project belongs to you. May its water flow through the infrastructure provided and through the veins of our nation’s development, nourishing every home, every dream, and every field.
Based on the work done over the years, rest be assured of the 8th administration’s commitment to ensure quality service delivery to our people. Trust the team I am working with and play your part with commitment and integrity. Let us continue to move forward—in unity, with resilience, and with faith—toward a Namibia where every citizen’s well-being can flourish.
With profound pride in our nation’s progress, I hereby declare the Ohangwena II Wellfield Water Supply Scheme officially commissioned.
Take care of our water, water is life, don’t cut your life short. I thank you.”
