IMELDA AMBONDO
Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and Swakop Uranium have sealed a deal to construct a desalination plant in the Erongo region.
A statement released by the two parties on Tuesday said they have concluded negotiations for the establishment of a Joint Venture (JV) to be called the Erongo Sunam Desalination Project Joint Venture to develop a major new desalination project.
The statement was co-authored by NamWater Spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata and Swakop Uranium Spokesperson Winnie Mukupuki.
“This initiative represents a significant strategic investment in Namibia’s long-term water security and industrial development. The signing of the Joint Venture Agreement marks a milestone in deepening cooperation between the public and private sectors in delivering essential water infrastructure,” the statement said.
The Joint Venture will be owned 70% by Swakop Uranium and 30% by NamWater.
“The structure reflects the respective investment commitments and operational interests of both parties. While Swakop Uranium contributes significant capital and technical input,NamWater ensures public-sector oversight, regulatory alignment, and integration with national water infrastructure,” the two parties said.
According to the two companies, the Erongo Region continues to be one of Namibia’s most economically active with limited freshwater resources.
NamWater and Husab Mine said the climate variability places pressure on traditional sources, and desalination has become a reliable and sustainable option for securing long-term water supply.
“NamWater and Swakop Uranium have therefore partnered to jointly develop a modern, efficient desalination plant designed to meet current and future water needs. This collaborative approach ensures alignment with national development objectives while enabling robust support for industrial growth,” they said.
The desalination project will include construction of a modern seawater desalination plant, using energy-efficient and environmentally sound technology.
It will also use bulk water conveyance upgrades, including pipelines and pumping systems to connect the plant to regional supply networks.
The plant will also include integration with NamWater’s existing infrastructure, ensuring balanced distribution to industrial, commercial, and domestic users, and comprehensive environmental management plans.
It will be aligned with national environmental regulations and long-term operations and maintenance framework, overseen jointly by the JV partners.
The two companies said the JV strengthens water security for the Erongo Region and the national supply system, secures the operational viability of key mining and industrial actors, enables future investments and job creation by ensuring reliable water availability and demonstrates effective public–private partnership in infrastructure development.
“For Swakop Uranium the project ensures a long-term, cost-stable water supply for operations, enhances operational resilience and future planning certainty, contributes to national infrastructure development,” the statement said.
It also added that, “For NamWater expands bulk water production capacity, supports regional supply obligations while reducing pressure on inland water sources and generates long-term revenue and enhances operational capabilities.”
The two parties added that all necessary approvals—technical, commercial, and governance—have been secured.
“The Transaction Advisor has finalised the execution version of the Joint Venture
Agreement. The agreement has been formally signed off, marking the transition to the project implementation phase. The next steps include the registration of the Erongo Sunam Desalination Project Joint Venture Company, the detailed engineering, environmental assessments, financing arrangements, and construction planning,” the statement said.
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