The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has awarded a N$191 million contract to commence with a critical upgrade to Namibia’s southern water infrastructure.
Fully funded by the Namibia Water Corporation (Namwater), the project will ensure reliable water supply to the communities of Naute, Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas.
By awarding the contract, the CPBN was acting on behalf of the NamWater when it officially awarded the contract for the construction of the Naute-Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement and Ancillary Works, Phase 1, to Adaptive Building Land Construction CC, a Namibian company, in joint venture with China State Engineering Corporation (Southern Africa) (Pty) Ltd Namibia.
Valued at just over N$191 million, excluding VAT, the contract spans 18 months and marks the official commencement of Phase 1 of the Naute-Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement Project.
The contract was formally signed on 23 September 2025 by CPBN, NamWater and the contractor, followed by the official site handover on 3 October 2025.
The NamWater Civil Engineering Department will oversee detailed designs, bidding documentation and construction supervision.
Adaptive Building Land Construction CC, in a joint venture with China State Engineering Corporation (Southern Africa) (Pty) Ltd Namibia, will execute the works under the Public Procurement Act.
Project management services will be provided by NamWater’s Programme Management Department.
Beyond infrastructure improvement, the project is expected to create approximately 50 local jobs and stimulate economic activity in the //Kharas region during implementation.
Phase 1 of the project entails the construction of a new 36-kilometre clear-water pipeline, running parallel to the existing one, with some sections sharing the same trench.
The new pipeline will be constructed using 450mm diameter Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) pipes, installed below ground to enhance durability and service life.
“Once completed, this new pipeline will replace the ageing steel line, ensuring safe, consistent and reliable water delivery to the people of Keetmanshoop and surrounding communities,” Namwater stated.
The water corporation explained that the start of this vital water project was delayed by nearly two years due to legal procurement challenges raised by unsuccessful bidders.
However, following a recent court ruling in favour of CPBN and NamWater, construction is now officially underway, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the southern region’s water supply reliability.
The Naute-Keetmanshoop water supply scheme, commissioned in 1972, is one of Namibia’s key bulk water systems.
It sources water from the Naute Dam, located on the Lowen River approximately 45km southwest of Keetmanshoop.
The dam has a reservoir capacity of 83.6 cubic metres with a safe yield of 12 Mm³ per year.
In a statement, Namwater explained that water from the dam is treated at the Naute water treatment plant, which currently operates at 380 m³/h, below its design capacity of 450 m³/h due to aging infrastructure.
“The system relies on a 43 kilometre, 400mm steel clear-water pipeline that connects the Naute treatment plant to the Keetmanshoop reservoirs. Constructed in 1971, this pipeline has deteriorated over time, suffering frequent leaks and bursts. Although 7.4 kilometres were replaced in 2011, the remaining sections continue to experience failures, posing a serious risk to water supply security,” Namwater stated.
“NamWater remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable water services in support of Namibia’s socio-economic growth and community wellbeing,” the water utility stated.