Niël Terblanché
NamWater has introduced temporary measures to support the water supply to Walvis Bay, following ongoing shortages caused by damaged power infrastructure.
Most of the damage comes from copper wire theft, affecting electricity transmission to boreholes in the Kuiseb River Delta.
NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the utility began using generator sets on 16 June 2025 to power selected boreholes in the Kuiseb New Delta Scheme.
He said the shortages are also due to failing overhead power lines that have deteriorated from age, corrosion, and repeated exposure to harsh weather, which has limited borehole performance.
“This interim solution aims to temporarily supplement the water supply to Walvis Bay while awaiting the replacement of malfunctioning overhead powerline conductors,” he said.
The replacement project, initially scheduled for completion by the end of July, has been delayed due to logistical setbacks in the delivery of key materials.
“The previously anticipated full restoration timeline by the end of July 2025 is no longer achievable. We will communicate a revised implementation timeline once material delivery is confirmed,” said Ndamanomhata.
NamWater has deployed three fuel-powered generators positioned to serve multiple boreholes.
The intervention is fully funded by NamWater. Security is in place through local service providers, and on-site staff are housed in container units with ablution facilities.
Ndamanomhata said the temporary solution also supports ongoing refurbishment work at the Collector 2 Reservoir in the Swartbank area.
The goal is to maintain a basic level of water security while a long-term solution is finalised.
He said the intervention is expected to raise water abstraction from the High Dune and Dorop South aquifers from 145 cubic metres per hour to about 430.
This would increase total water supply from the Kuiseb system to between 950 and 1,022 cubic metres per hour, up from the current 730.
While the full restoration timeline has shifted, Ndamanomhata said the generators will help ensure service continuity and reduce pressure on the system.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this delay may cause and appreciate the community’s understanding,” he said.
He urged residents to continue using water responsibly while NamWater works to restore and secure the infrastructure.
