The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) on Friday reached a significant milestone in national water infrastructure with the signing of contracts for the construction of the Ogongo-Oshakati Pipeline Replacement and Ancillary Works.
The ceremony, held at NamWater’s head office in Windhoek, underscored NamWater’s commitment to securing reliable water supply for northern Namibia to support future growth and economic development.
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia, emphasised the urgency of this project, extending appreciation to the government for its support through the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme 1.
“This pipeline replacement is a strategic investment in water security for the region. The existing pipeline, built in 1978, has served us well, but its deteriorated state has led to frequent breaks, disrupting water supply. This project reaffirms NamWater’s commitment to providing sustainable and reliable infrastructure for our communities,” he said. Following extensive due diligence, NamWater identified sections of the pipeline, particularly the Class 6 segment between chainage 35km and 52km, that have deteriorated significantly, jeopardising water supply security.
Frequent bursts along the most vulnerable 15-kilometre stretch from the Onambira off-take to Oshakati have required NamWater to limit pipeline pressure to 1.8 bars, reducing supply capacity and restricting the pipeline from meeting projected demand for financial year 2030/31. In response, NamWater’s civil engineering design team developed a comprehensive replacement plan.
The bidding process commenced on 15 January 2024, and closed on 22 March 2024 and through this process contracts were awarded for Part A: Ogongo Pump Station to Oshikuku transition point (19.7km) to China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd for N$88 million; Part B: Oshikuku to Onangombe (14km), to China Jiangxi Economic and Technical International Corporation Ltd for N$69.6 million; and Part C: Onangombe to Oshakati connection (17.9 km), awarded to New Era Investment Origin Water Construction Group for N$79.6 million.
The entire project, valued at more than N$236 million, includes a new 53-kilometre pipeline to replace the aging asbestos-cement infrastructure and allow for higher pumping pressure, meeting the region’s future water demands. According to a statement, the contractors committed to delivering high-quality work within the 12-month project timeline. Lijie Li of China Gezhouba Group expressed pride in supporting Namibia’s water sector, pledging to deliver quality work that meets the nation’s expectations.
Yang Deng of China Jiangxi Corporation and Rong Ma from New Era Investment similarly committed to the project’s urgency and high standards.
Nehemia underscored the importance of the project: “We are dedicated to delivering sustainable water solutions for both rural and urban communities. By addressing these critical pipeline.