Windhoek: The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and Swakop Uranium (SU) have entered into a joint-venture agreement to develop a large-scale desalination plant in the Erongo Region. The project is designed to enhance Namibia's water security and bolster industrial growth in the area.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the agreement, signed in Windhoek, establishes the Erongo Sunam Desalination Project Joint Venture. Swakop Uranium will hold a 70 percent stake in the partnership, with NamWater retaining 30 percent. This allocation reflects the investment contributions and operational responsibilities of each party, with NamWater ensuring public-sector oversight and integration into the national bulk-water network.

The venture will involve constructing a modern seawater desalination plant and upgrading bulk water pipelines and pumping systems. Long-term operations and maintenance arrangements are also part of the project. The facility aims to supply water to industrial, commercial, and domestic users in the Erongo Region, one of Namibia's most water-stressed yet economically active areas.

NamWater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia stated that the agreement follows the completion of technical, commercial, and governance approvals. He noted that the joint-venture company will be registered, followed by detailed engineering design, environmental assessments, financing, and construction planning.

"The plant is expected to ease pressure on existing coastal water sources, including groundwater aquifers and the privately owned Orano Desalination Plant," Nehemia said. Commissioned in 2010, the Orano Desalination Plant has been the primary supplier of desalinated water for coastal towns and nearby mines. Initially built to support the Trekkopje uranium mine, it has become a critical regional water source, but its capacity can no longer meet the rising industrial and domestic demand.