Feasibility studies are in progress on how to optimally utilise part of the Neckartal dam’s massive 857 million cubic meters of water for purposes of irrigation development, crop production and bulk water storage.
The dam, situated outside town, can in future thus be one of the most prominent economic emancipation catalysts for the //Kharas region and the country as a whole.
In a previous statement delivered by Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) on the Neckartal dam’s irrigation project development, it was explained that in terms of Phase 1 of the project, 5 000 hectares of land surrounding the dam will be availed for irrigation development. “The envisaged crops identified for production under the 5 000 hectares include dates, grapes, grains, horticulture and lucern,” the minister stated. A 60 megawatt hydropower plant and bulk irrigation water supply system from the dam was constructed to an elevated storage facility about 20 km downstream.
Schlettwein noted that the development of Phase II will be done within the framework of the Green Scheme policy and Green Scheme objectives. “So far, of the 5000 ha targeted for agricultural production, 3800 ha have been acquired to date, and efforts are underway to secure the remaining 1 200 ha,” he added. The politician said government initially planned to develop Phase II of the Neckartal irrigation project with its own resources, but due to the recent global and national economic headwinds, which negatively affected its fiscal position, this is no longer possible. “It is for these reasons that government decided to implement Phase II through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit at the Ministry of Finance,” he explained.
The Member of Parliament (MP) also said the line ministry, as a start and in conjunction with the PPP Unit, has initiated the process to operationalise the Neckartal Dam Irrigation Project. “The process commenced with the ministry registering the project with the PPP Unit, and providing a dossier of all relevant documents pertaining to the project, such as feasibility studies, environmental impact assessment, detailed design and cost estimates, scoping report and specialised studies (geotechnical, ecological, hydrological).
“The aim of the MAWLR is to ensure that the entire project is under full production in order to contribute to the country’s food security and employment-creation,” said Schlettwein. Government will, therefore, continue to explore public-private partnerships for the development and operation of Green Schemes, especially the commercial components thereof, through venture capital funding and other funding avenues that may be available.
The minister also emphasised the fact that the development of Phase II of the Neckartal dam project is a consultative process which will allow government to consult all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, at the appropriate time. “Hence, the ministry would like to assure all concerned that nobody will be left out,” he continued.
The Neckartal dam, which is Namibia’s largest dam, reached full capacity in January this year, following good rains which resulted in an overflow. Construction of the dam commenced on 11 September 2013, and it was officially handed over to the agriculture ministry on 25 September 2019. During the construction of the dam, 3 000 Namibians were directly employed, whilst 2 500 indirect employment opportunities were created in Keetmanshoop and the surrounding areas, with 65% of all employees hailing from //Kharas. The total cost for construction amounted to N$5.5 billion.
It has a storage capacity of approximately three times that of the Hardap dam’s volume. At full supply level, it has a storage volume of 857 million cubic meters of water.
The dam furthermore stretches for more than 38km upstream, and has a circumference at full supply level of more than 290km.
In addition, it has the potential to generate 3.5 MV of power, which will then be ploughed back into the national power grid. The dam will furthermore cater for water supply to settlements as far as the drought-stricken areas of Grünau and Aus.