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June 2026
The Namibian
NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhatasayspump stations will be unable to transfer water during power outage
Source
“"Consequently, the pump stations will be unable to transfer water for the duration of the power outage and until power supply is fully restored," he says.”
Lot Ndamanomhatasayspipeline was damaged during utility works to extend busbar connections
Source
“In a statement issued on Thursday, NamWater head of communications Lot Ndamanomhata says the pipeline transporting water from the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant to Windhoek was damaged during works carried out by the utility to extend 11kV and 66kV busbar connections to a mobile substation.”
Lot Ndamanomhatasaidoutage scheduled according to NamPower maintenance works on Ruby 11kV network and Sekelduin 2 line
Source
“Lot Ndamanomhata, public relations officer at NamWater, said that the outage is scheduled in accordance with maintenance works to be undertaken by NamPower on the Ruby 11kV network and the Sekelduin 2 line.”
NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhatasaidthe works will include chlorination extraction and installation of chlorine dosing points
Source
“NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the works will also include chlorination extraction and the installation of chlorine dosing points on pipelines supplying the Opuwo reservoir.”
Lot Ndamanomhatasaidlocal authorities owe NamWater N$2.8 billion in total, threatening water provision security
Source
“The spokesperson said local authorities, town councils, and rural communities owe NamWater N$2.8 billion in total, threatening the security of water provision.”
Lot Ndamanomhatasaidshortcomings in reticulation components are known and were communicated to RTC
Source
“When asked about the status of the collaboration with RTC, Ndamanomhata said the shortcomings in the reticulation components are known and were communicated to RTC.”
NamWater has scheduled a power outage at its Von Bach Treatment Plant from 07h00 to 18h00 on Friday to extend electrical busbars, which will affect water supply to Windhoek, Okahandja, and surrounding areas including Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Windhoek municipality says it will fill reservoirs beforehand to minimise disruption.
Why it matters
Scheduled water supply interruption Friday affects Windhoek and airport, requiring household and business contingency planning.
NamWater has scheduled a power outage at its Von Bach Treatment Plant from 07h00 to 18h00 on Friday to extend electrical busbars, which will affect water supply to Windhoek, Okahandja, and surrounding areas including Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Windhoek municipality says it will fill reservoirs beforehand to minimise disruption.
NamWater has postponed a planned 24-hour water supply interruption from Friday to 5 June following a request from NamPower. The outage will affect the City of Windhoek, Okahandja municipality and surrounding areas due to a scheduled NamPower power outage at the Von Bach treatment plant.
NamWater reported that a pipeline from Von Bach Water Treatment Plant to Windhoek was damaged Thursday morning during utility works to extend electrical busbar connections, causing an estimated 24-hour water supply interruption for Windhoek and surrounding areas.
The Namibia Water Corporation has announced planned power outages on 21 May 2026 (08:30–17:30) and 1 June 2026 (08:00–17:00) due to NamPower maintenance work on the Ruby 11kV network and Sekelduin 2 line, which will suspend water supply operations at the Ruby Intake Station for approximately eight hours each day. NamWater and Walvis Bay Municipality are working to keep reservoirs at full supply to mitigate the impact, and residents are urged to use water sparingly.
Namibia Water Corporation will suspend water supply in Opuwo from 08h00 to 18h00 next Thursday to upgrade booster pumps, install pipelines, and carry out chlorination work on the reservoir system. Residents have been advised to store sufficient water for the duration of the shutdown.
Opposition MPs and analysts have criticized the government's agreement to give China General Nuclear Power Group a 70% controlling stake in a N$3-billion coastal desalination plant while the state retains only 30%, raising concerns about water sovereignty and affordability for poor Namibians. NamWater and Swakop Uranium defended the joint venture structure as necessary to finance critical infrastructure while maintaining public sector participation.
Water-related challenges persist in Okatjoruu village despite recent restoration of supply, with residents struggling with high debts, water hardness, faulty meters, and high bills attributed to Covid-19-era free water directives. The Otjozondjupa Regional Council owes NamWater N$34 million, with Okatjoruu owing N$10 million, though the government agreed to cover half under a Covid-19 agreement.
Rehoboth Town Council faces a possible bulk water supply cut by Namibia Water Corporation due to the municipality's outstanding N$100 million debt, which would close schools affecting over 10,000 pupils and disrupt operations at a police holding facility with about 200 inmates.
NamWater has suspended planned bulk water supply cuts to Rehoboth following negotiations with the town council over an outstanding debt of N$150 million. Negotiations now involve the Hardap governor's office and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, with water services remaining operational pending further discussions.
NamWater has issued notice of possible bulk water suspension to Rehoboth following the town council's unpaid debts exceeding N$100 million. The water utility faces N$2.8 billion in outstanding payments from local authorities and rural water communities, straining long-term water supply security.
The N$665 million Rundu Bulk Water Supply project is approaching completion with 79% progress and expected commissioning in August. Critical pipeline extensions to surrounding communities are 94% complete, though concerns remain about the Rundu Town Council's internal reticulation infrastructure readiness.
NamWater will shut off water to Okahao and parts of Tsandi and Oshuukwa village for 24 to 48 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday to fill and test a ground reservoir after liner replacement.
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has denied allegations that it intends to conduct re-interviews for the director general position, a role vacant since outgoing chief Stanley Similo's contract expired last year. NBC board chairperson Lazarus Jacobs said the recruitment process remains incomplete and that any claims about re-interviews are "speculation, innuendo and rumour mongering."
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa owes N$174,000 to NamWater, drawing accusations of hypocrisy after he recently pressured councillors to settle outstanding bills. Sankwasa attributed the debt to an account inherited from his late mother and said he is attending to its settlement, while critics argue he should have led by example.
Residents of Usakos are experiencing a water shortage after critical equipment was stolen from one of the town's main boreholes, with Erongosig and Hakhaseb areas most affected. NamWater says repairs to the vandalised borehole infrastructure are scheduled for completion this week, and water distribution measures are being implemented for affected areas.
NamWater announced a water supply interruption affecting Karibib and surrounding areas due to a faulty abstraction pump at Swakoppoort Dam. The technical team is installing a replacement pump, with work scheduled for completion on 20 January 2026, and customers are asked to use water sparingly until supply is restored.
Erongo Regional Council chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe has pledged to work with NamWater to resolve the water crisis in Otjimbingwe and surrounding areas, where residents currently pay N$152 per tanker delivery. Community leaders say the shortage has lasted for years, schools have been suspended due to lack of water, and residents are preparing to submit a petition as diplomatic efforts have not yielded lasting solutions.