OUTAPI – The minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and equitable water access to all Namibians, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status.

Schlettwein said this during the ground-breaking of the Outapi water treatment plant extension and upgrade on Friday, saying safe drinking water is fundamental to public health.
According to the minister, the upgraded plant will incorporate state-of-the-art filtration and purification systems to ensure the water produced meets Namibia’s rigorous new water quality standards.

“This will guarantee that every drop of water supplied is clean, safe, and free of harmful contaminants, safeguarding the health and well-being of all who rely on it,” he said.
The minister added that for a country like Namibia, where water resources are often scarce and unevenly distributed, water security is not merely a strategic priority – it is an absolute moral imperative.

These challenges require innovative thinking, decisive action, and extensive collaboration across sectors, industries, and borders.
Meanwhile, NamWater chief executive officer (CEO) Abraham Nehemia said this project marks a significant step in the ongoing mission to ensure that water infrastructure in Namibia is not only robust and sustainable, but also adaptable to the evolving needs of the growing population.

Nehemia said the Outapi water treatment plant upgrade, with its substantial investment and far-reaching impact, exemplifies NamWater’s commitment to creating a water-secure Namibia.
“The extended facility will process up to 438 cubic metres of water per hour up from the current 180 cubic metres per hour, an essential upgrade that will alleviate the pressure on the existing system,” he said.

He said this substantial increase in capacity will provide reliable water for Outapi and the surrounding communities, serving the region’s growing population and mitigating the current supply challenges.
Outapi mayor Selma Asino said the increasing demand for water, driven by urban expansion and population growth, has necessitated this crucial expansion project.

“This new extension will not only increase the plant’s capacity, but will also ensure a continuous supply of high-quality water for all the communities,” she noted.
The project will cost N$141.8 million in a construction timeline of 16 months.
-Nampa