Kavango East Region, Namibia—NamWater, the national water utility, has officially commissioned the Kayengona and Shamvhura Water Filtration plants this Friday, marking a significant development in water supply and quality management for the Kavango East Region. The new facilities are expected to address longstanding water scarcity and contamination issues that have impacted the area.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during the commissioning ceremony, NamWater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia highlighted the critical need for these projects. He acknowledged the community’s past struggles with water scarcity and the urgency of delivering enhanced services. “In as much as the community members had sleepless nights thinking of drawing water the following day infested with high levels of iron content, so did some of us, knowing that a project takes time to implement while the people are crying and calling every day for improved services,” Nehemia expressed.
The investment of N$5,208,850 in total for both projects underlines their importance to the region’s strategic water management plans. The Kayengona Filtration Plant received N$2,483,432, while the Shamvhura Filtration Plant was allocated N$2,725,418. These investments aim to mitigate the water quality challenges, particularly iron contamination and turbidity, which have been exacerbated by rapid population growth and increased water demand.
Councillor Laurentius Mukoya, speaking on behalf of the Governor of Kavango East, Bonifatius Wakudumo, noted that these areas historically relied on boreholes and have seen exponential population increases. The new filtration systems are designed to not only provide cleaner water but also to support broader goals. “Our projects are more than just infrastructure, they are investments in the future of Namibia. By enhancing water supply infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for improved public health, increased agricultural productivity, and overall economic growth, particularly in rural regions like Kavango East,” Nehemia added.