Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) last month commenced with the Okashandja–Olweege pilot project, which is scheduled to run for six months until June this year. The objectives of the pilot programme are in line with upgrading Namibia’s water delivery infrastructure, and include smart metering technology,  automated billing systems, infrastructure upgrades and digital payment platforms. 

Specifically, the pilot programme will engage the Okashandja–Olweege communities to deploy smart meters for real-time water usage monitoring, enhance accuracy and efficiency in revenue-collection, repair and replace outdated pipes and leak detection systems as well as implement prepaid and post-paid options for affordability and convenience. 

During a recent stakeholders engagement in Ondangwa, Oshana governor Elia Irimari welcomed the initiative, and commended NamWater for its proactive leadership.  

“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,” said Irimari. 

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 aims to develop a full-scale implementation strategy to extend these solutions to other regions across the country. 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 are expected to continue to be engaged in consultations to ensure its success. Through this pilot project, NamWater has reaffirmed its commitment to driving efficiency, sustainability and financial viability in the domestic water sector. 

NamWater, in partnership with the agriculture, water and land reform ministry, recently hosted a stakeholders engagement session in Ondangwa for the Pilot Project on the Optimisation of the Retail Water Supply Process – Okashandja–Olweege branch line. 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 Abraham Nehemia highlighted the historical challenges in water supply management. 

“Water supply in north-western Namibia has evolved significantly, but challenges such as non-payment, inefficient billing and infrastructure constraints persist. This pilot project aims to integrate smart technologies to improve service delivery, ensure financial sustainability, and promote responsible water use,” he said.  

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. 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.