Renthia Kaimbi
NamWater and Swakop Uranium have signed a Joint Venture Agreement to establish the Erongo Sunam Desalination Project Joint Venture.
The agreement was concluded on Tuesday following negotiations aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term water security.
The public-private partnership will develop a major seawater desalination plant in the Erongo region.
The partners said the signing of the Joint Venture Agreement is a major step toward strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors to deliver essential water infrastructure.
The initiative responds to growing pressure on freshwater resources in the arid region.
Erongo hosts major mining operations, growing industries and expanding towns, all of which need a reliable water supply.
Climate variability has increased pressure on traditional water sources, making desalination a necessary solution.
The joint venture aims to use modern, efficient technology to meet current and future water demand while supporting national development goals and economic growth.
Swakop Uranium will own 70% of the joint venture, with NamWater holding 30%.
The ownership split reflects each partner’s capital investment and operational role.
Swakop Uranium contributes private-sector capital and technical expertise, while NamWater provides public oversight, regulatory compliance and integration into the national water network.
The project includes building a new desalination plant with energy-efficient and environmentally sound technology.
It also involves upgrades to pipelines, pumping stations and other bulk water systems that connect the plant to the region’s supply grid. Integration with NamWater’s existing infrastructure will allow balanced distribution to industrial, commercial and domestic users.
The partners said the venture will operate under full environmental management plans and establish a long-term framework for running and maintaining the plant.
The project will improve water security for the Erongo region and the national system.
It will support key economic sectors such as mining and help attract future investment and job creation.
For Swakop Uranium, the agreement secures a stable water supply for its operations.
For NamWater, it expands bulk water production capacity, eases pressure on inland sources and creates a new revenue stream.
“The Erongo Sunam Desalination Joint Venture Project is a landmark initiative that will play a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s water-secure future. It strengthens national resilience, supports economic development, and demonstrates the power of strategic collaboration,” the parties said.
All the required technical, commercial, and governance approvals have been obtained.
The signing of the JVA marks the start of the implementation phase.
“As the project progresses into implementation, the parties remain committed to transparency, responsible resource management, and delivering a long-term solution to the region’s water needs,” they said.
Next steps include registering the joint venture company, completing detailed engineering design, conducting environmental impact assessments, finalising financing arrangements and planning for construction.
