Rundu: Several key water supply projects are being implemented in the two Kavango regions, with a major Rundu Extension Phase 3 project planned to secure long-term water supply. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance water infrastructure and ensure a reliable supply for the region's growing needs.
According to Namibia Press Agency, NamWater's operations manager for the Kavango regions, Costa Japheth, indicated in an interview that the water corporation is focusing on strengthening existing schemes through groundwater development, storage expansion, and improved distribution. These efforts are in preparation to phase out unreliable stand-alone systems. Japheth highlighted that the Katjinakatji Interim Water Supply Scheme is being implemented as a temporary measure while the long-term Rundu Extension Phase 3 project is developed.
The Katjinakatji project aims to augment the current scheme by drilling and pump-testing new boreholes, providing bulk power supply, equipping the boreholes with necessary pumps and mechanical and electrical equipment, and constructing an interconnecting transfer pipeline to the existing system. Japheth noted that a similar intervention is underway at Mururani under the Mururani Drought Relief Water Supply Scheme, with a focus on increasing groundwater abstraction to support the existing scheme.
Japheth explained, "At Mururani, the boreholes have been drilled and successfully pump tested. Pipeline construction is nearing completion, with pressure testing of the pipeline currently ongoing." Furthermore, he added that commissioning of the mechanical and electrical equipment is expected before the end of the 2026 financial year.
The Rupara Water Supply Scheme aims to increase storage and improve water distribution in the area. The project includes the construction of an elevated steel water tower, fencing of the storage facility, installation of booster pumps, and a transfer pipeline to connect to the existing scheme.
Japheth further elaborated that the Mpunguvlei Water Supply Scheme is concentrating on new borehole drilling and pump testing, provision of power supply, equipping boreholes with pumps and associated equipment, and linking them to the current system to strengthen supply.
Looking ahead, Japheth emphasized that the Rundu Extension Phase 3 Project, under the Water Sector Support Programme, is the key long-term response to rising water demand in the Kavango regions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform will serve as the project implementing agency, with NamWater as the executing agency. Japheth stated, "The objective is to extend pipelines from Kayengona, Mupini, and Masivi to Ndiyona in the east, Nkurenkuru in the west, and Mururani Gate in the south, so that we replace unreliable stand-alone schemes and meet current and future water demand."