Windhoek:Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse has called on companies in the industrial, mining, and energy sectors to assess their water usage and identify areas for reducing losses. He emphasized the importance of integrating water efficiency and safe reuse into project design, daily operations, and long-term investment strategies during the launch of the //Gam-i Swakop Basin Resilience Project.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Amutse highlighted the critical role of water security in Namibia's development, noting that careful planning for water requirements is essential for mines and energy investments. He warned that water supply pressures could affect businesses, workers, and families, stressing the need for thorough planning in Namibia's pursuit of industrialization, mineral beneficiation, and energy investment.

Amutse acknowledged the commitment of over US$1.2 million by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and The Coca-Cola Company between 2025 and 2030. He appreciated Coca-Cola's ongoing investment in Namibia and detailed the project's nature-based interventions, such as managing invasive plants, afforestation, improved dam recharge, and managed aquifer recharge.

The minister underscored the government's responsibility to provide leadership, regulation, and infrastructure planning, emphasizing partnerships with businesses, communities, and development partners. He urged the project's partners to establish clear implementation arrangements and realistic timeframes, with regular progress reports, to assess the project's impact on the catchment area.

Amutse concluded by advocating for community involvement throughout the project's duration and encouraged partners to share successful strategies and challenges to adapt effective approaches in other regions.