Namibia is set to embark on the construction of a second desalination plant in response to its most severe drought in more than a century, announced Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein, according to South African news agency News24.
Scheduled to commence in January 2025, the project has been long-awaited since its inception in 1998, aiming to mitigate escalating water demands exacerbated by Namibia's status as the world's third-largest uranium producer.
The new facility, approved with a capacity of approximately 20 million cubic metres, is anticipated to be operational by early 2027, offering a vital lifeline amid heightened industrial, mining, and agricultural activities placing strain on the country's water resources.
Namibia's coastal mining operations in the Erongo region, centered near Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, have heavily relied on groundwater aquifers and the Orano Desalination Plant since 2010. However, these sources are now near capacity, supplying just under 30 million cubic metres annually.
"Our ambitious development plans, alongside increased mining, industrial, agricultural, and food production activities in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, have outpaced our current water supply capabilities," Minister Schlettwein acknowledged.
President Nangolo Mbumba declared a national state of emergency in May due to the devastating drought conditions, underscoring the urgency of bolstering Namibia's water infrastructure to safeguard against future crises.
Namibia's economy, projected to grow by 3.7% in 2024, faces significant risks from ongoing drought and coastal water supply disruptions, as highlighted by the country's central bank.
