Friday, 24 July 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Friday, 24 July 2026

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Namibian press · Organization

Namibia Water Corporation

Also known as: NamWater · Namibia water utility · The Namibian Water Corporation · Namibia Water Corporation Ltd · NamWater Board of Directors

Namibia's state-owned water utility that posted a N$128 million loss in 2024/2025 despite N$2.2 billion revenue, with tariffs unchanged since 2019.

2022-02-252026-07-24

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

June 2026
25 JunThe Namibian
NamWater receives monthly bulk water supply payments of about N$3.5 million from the municipality
Source
“The municipality pays NamWater about N$3.5 million per month for bulk water supply to the town.”
Otjiwarongo cuts water to Govt, businesses
25 JunInformanté
NamWater identified two boreholes at Oshivelo for development with contractor appointed to commence work
Source
“To strengthen water security in the southern part of the region, NamWater has identified two boreholes at Oshivelo for development, with a contractor already appointed to commence the required work.”
N$6.4 million allocated for Oshikoto water infrastructure projects, governor assures commitment to tackling water challenges
23 JunInformanté
Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) opened sluice gates at Naute Dam this weekend
Source
“After the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) opened the sluice gates at the Naute Dam this weekend, the dam's water capacity dropped from 117.3% at 10:00 on Sunday morning to 109.4% by Monday night.”
Southern rivers and dams highlight impact of recent rainfall
23 JunInformanté
NamWater confirmed releases from Naute Dam have officially ceased
Source
“NamWater has since confirmed that releases from the Naute Dam have officially ceased.”
Southern rivers and dams highlight impact of recent rainfall
23 JunThe Namibian
NamWater confirmed rainfall pushed Naute Dam to 116.9% capacity and Neckartal Dam to 105.7% capacity
Source
“NamWater yesterday confirmed that rainfall experienced in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions over the weekend pushed the Naute Dam to 116.9% capacity.”
All 96 Fish River Canyon hikers rescued safe and uninjured
23 JunNamibian Sun
NamWater says water will only be extracted from Kavango River during wet season under proposed Kavango Link Project
Source
“NamWater says water will only be extracted from the Kavango River during the wet season under the proposed Kavango Link Project, insisting the approach will safeguard the river's l...”
Seasonal extraction will protect Kavango River – NamWater
22 JunThe Namibian
NamWater opened sluice gates, causing dangerous rising water levels
Source
“The hikers were stranded after heavy rains filled the Naute Dam beyond capacity, forcing NamWater to open the dam's sluice gates, which caused dangerous, rapidly rising water levels downstream.”
NWR rescuing 96 hikers from Fish River Canyon
22 JunInformanté
Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) opened the Naute Dam's floodgates on Sunday
Source
“THE Naute Dam's water level has decreased since the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) opened the dam's floodgates on Sunday, falling from 117.3% capacity at 10:00 on Sunday morning to 113.4% at 06:00 on Monday morning.”
Caution advised as Naute and Neckartal dam water releases continue to raise Fish River levels
22 JunInformanté
NamWater urged residents, tourists, farmers to stay out of Fish River and canyon areas
Source
“"NamWater urges residents, tourists, farmers and all other users downstream of these dams to stay out of the Fish River and canyon areas due to the high volumes and strong flows," NamWater warned.”
Caution advised as Naute and Neckartal dam water releases continue to raise Fish River levels
22 JunThe Namibian
NamWater proposed N$7-billion pipeline to Windhoek
Source
“Kavango East and West traditional leaders and community members are opposing NamWater's proposed N$7-billion pipeline to Windhoek, demanding an audit of the Kavango River first.”
Kavango pushback hits N$7bn Windhoek water pipeline

Business

NamWater posts N$128.3m loss as revenue rises to N$2.22b

The News

Namibia Water Corporation recorded a net loss of N$128.3 million in the 2024/25 financial year despite revenue rising to N$2.216 billion, with operating expenses climbing to N$2.035 billion and expected credit losses more than doubling to N$536.7 million. The corporation remains financially solvent with a current ratio of 6.59 and continues to operate without external interest-bearing debt, while maintaining its Fitch BB- credit rating.

3 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Today

NamWater posts N$128.3m loss as revenue rises to N$2.22b
Namibia Water Corporation recorded a net loss of N$128.3 million in the 2024/25 financial year despite revenue rising to N$2.216 billion, with operating expenses climbing to N$2.035 billion and expected credit losses more than doubling to N$536.7 million. The corporation remains financially solvent with a current ratio of 6.59 and continues to operate without external interest-bearing debt, while maintaining its Fitch BB- credit rating.
3 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Yesterday

NamWater posts N$128 million loss despite N$2.2 billion revenue
Namibia Water Corporation recorded a loss of N$128.29 million in 2024/2025 despite generating N$2.216 billion in revenue, with the loss driven by rising operating expenditure and expected credit losses exceeding N$500 million. The corporation remained solvent and liquid with no external debt.
12 hours ago · Informanté →

Wednesday 22 July

Namibia selected to host Global Water Partnership headquarters
Namibia has been chosen to host the headquarters of the inter-continental Global Water Partnership Organisation after an 18-month competitive selection process. The country's water management expertise, political stability, infrastructure, and decades of experience managing water in one of the world's driest regions set it apart, with the relocation from Stockholm to Windhoek positioning Namibia as a global centre for water dialogue, innovation and knowledge sharing.
22 July 2026 · The Namibian →
NamWater defends unchanged tariffs since 2019 amid affordability concerns
NamWater defended its pricing model, stating that its tariffs have remained unchanged since 2019 despite rising operational costs, and argued that increases on household municipal accounts are largely the responsibility of local authorities rather than the state-owned utility. The corporation warned that supplying water below cost indefinitely would threaten its financial sustainability.
22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 21 July

NamWater says tariffs unchanged since 2019 despite rising costs
NamWater's Head of Public Relations argued the corporation has been considerate with water pricing, noting that tariffs have not been adjusted for more than five years despite operating on 2019 costs, while acknowledging the corporation has applied for tariff adjustments.
21 July 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 20 July

Minister blasts Henties Bay acting CEO over water crisis
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has criticized the Henties Bay municipality's acting chief executive officer as the "poorest of poor performers" amid a water crisis where residents cannot purchase prepaid water after the service provider suspended vending in June over a contractual dispute. The minister's concerns centre on the stalled implementation of an approximately N$27 million prepaid water meter project and has formally objected to the acting CEO's appointment as substantive CEO.
20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 17 July

NamWater begins N$219.7 million pipeline replacement project
NamWater has started construction of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement Project, valued at N$219,697,642.12 inclusive of VAT and fully funded by the corporation. The existing pipeline has been in service since 1972.
17 July 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 14 July

Mariental Municipality and NamWater dispute water supply crisis
The Mariental Municipality blamed NamWater for a water supply crisis that left parts of the town without reliable water last week, saying the sudden suspension without notice compromised public health and damaged the local economy. NamWater attributed the interruption to a pipeline failure at the Hardap Water Treatment Plant that required nearly 48 hours of repairs, and said it had notified the municipality's CEO about the breakdown.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →
MTC retains position as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise
MTC recorded profits of N$1.45 billion in the 2025 financial year, reinforcing its status as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise in the 2026 IJG Public Enterprise Governance Ranking. Other state-owned enterprises including NamPort, NamPower, and NamibRe showed mixed financial performance, with NamPort emerging as a strong turnaround performer with profits rising to N$864.5 million.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
MTC achieves perfect score in 2026 public enterprise governance rankings
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) scored 20 out of 20 in IJG Securities' 2026 Public Enterprise Governance Ranking, which assessed public enterprises over five years on annual report publication, profitability, fiscal transfer reliance, and CEO stability. NamPort, Agribank, and NamibRe placed second with 19 points each, while NamPower and NamWater tied for fifth with 18 points.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 13 July

Bannerman secures permanent water deal for Etango uranium project
Bannerman Energy has signed a definitive permanent water supply agreement with NamWater for its Etango uranium project, which is expected to produce an average of 3.5 million pounds of uranium oxide annually over a 15-year mine life. The agreement marks a key milestone as the company advances towards a final investment decision.
13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 8 July

Kunene school water crisis disrupts classes, triggers pupil protests
Orumana Combined School in Kunene has experienced a five-week water shortage after its borehole stopped functioning and the school was denied access to a community borehole. The water crisis has disrupted classes and prompted pupils to demonstrate, with school officials reporting the matter to education authorities and the Ministry of Works and Transport, but no lasting solution has been implemented.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 July

President invites Chinese investment in mining, energy, agriculture
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has invited Chinese investors to partner with Namibia in mining, agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, and infrastructure, seeking to shift the economy from raw material exports to value addition and industrialisation. Speaking at the Namibia-China Business Forum in Guangzhou, she said Namibia is open for trade and investment and ready to deepen economic and political ties with China.
7 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NBL invests N$35.6 million in water-saving over decade
Namibia Breweries Limited has invested over N$35.6 million in water-saving initiatives since 2015, including infrastructure upgrades and groundwater research, reducing water consumption by 8% in 2025 to 3.56 hectolitres per hectolitre of beer produced, with a target of 2.4 hl/hl by 2030.
7 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 2 July

Namibia launches N$2.1 billion Erongo desalination water security project
Prime Minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare officially launched the Erongo SUNAM Desalination project on 24 June 2026, a N$2.1 billion initiative developed over more than two decades to address water scarcity and support economic growth.
2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 1 July

Namibia launches revised National Resettlement Policy 2023–2033
Government has launched a revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033) that strengthens land tenure security and expands support systems for beneficiaries. The policy allows resettlement beneficiaries to move from leasehold to freehold ownership once they meet specified conditions, improving tenure security and enabling land rights to be used as collateral for credit.
1 July 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 30 June

Bannerman's Etango uranium project reaches 92% bulk earthworks
Bannerman Energy says its Etango Uranium Project is progressing on schedule and within budget, with the 24-month bulk earthworks contract approximately 92% complete and more than 560 contractor personnel on site. The company has recorded more than 1.1 million lost-time injury-free hours, with 10,800 cubic metres of concrete poured representing around 60% completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2A construction packages.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 29 June

Oshakati-Omapale pipeline shuts down for nine-hour maintenance
NamWater will close the Oshakati-Omapale Pipeline from 07:00 to 16:00 on Tuesday, 30 June, for essential maintenance to improve water supply reliability and reduce pipeline breakdowns. The shutdown will affect Omeege, Ompundja, Enguwantale, Ombonde, and surrounding villages, and residents have been advised to store water in advance.
29 June 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 27 June

PM launches N$2.1 billion desalination project in Erongo
Prime Minister Ngurare has officially launched the Erongo SUNAM Desalination Project, a joint venture between NamWater and Swakop Uranium valued at N$2.1 billion that aims to deliver about 20 million cubic metres of desalinated water annually. The project, financed through a 70/30 shareholding structure with Government commitment of N$200 million in equity, is expected to reach financial close in July 2026 and begin commercial operations in June 2028.
27 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 25 June

Police pilot evacuates 68 hikers from flooded Fish River Canyon
Helicopter pilot Florentina Dumbu evacuated 68 hikers trapped in a flooded Fish River Canyon in the ||Kharas region on Monday after heavy rains forced NamWater to release water from the Naute Dam. Dumbu completed the evacuations over six hours, with survivors crediting her swift response with averting a potentially catastrophic situation.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
NamWater scheduled water cut affects Windhoek, Okahandja June 26
NamWater announced a scheduled water supply interruption on Friday, 26 June 2026, from 14:00 to 19:00, affecting customers supplied from the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant due to a planned NamPower outage to connect a mobile substation. The outage will affect the City of Windhoek, Okahandja Municipality, Gross Barmen, Osona Military Base, Osona Village, Namib Poultry Industries, Okapuka Road Traffic Checkpoint, Finkenstein, Herbothsbrick and Hosea Kutako International Airport, among other areas.
25 June 2026 · Informanté →
SUNAM desalination project launched with government and Chinese backing
Dr. Benonia Rafael delivered a vote of thanks at the launch of the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination project, commending the Prime Minister and other government officials for their support. The project involves Chinese partners and is positioned as part of Namibia's water security and infrastructure-led growth priorities.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Otjiwarongo disconnects water to 60 delinquent businesses and government properties
The Municipality of Otjiwarongo has begun disconnecting water services to about 60 government and business properties with outstanding accounts exceeding N$9.5 million, in a debt recovery campaign that exempts residential properties. Individual residential properties remain unaffected.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
EIF allocates N$6.4 million for Oshikoto water infrastructure
The Environmental Investment Fund has allocated N$6.4 million for water infrastructure projects in Oshikoto Region, including boreholes, pipeline rehabilitation, and a desalination plant, with construction expected to commence before the end of July 2026.
25 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 23 June

Recent rainfall revives southern Namibian rivers and dams
Recent showers combined with water releases from the Naute and Neckartal dams have caused a rapid rise in the Fish River and other southern waterways, with the Naute Dam's water capacity dropping from 117.3% to 109.4% during a two-day release. Further rainfall is forecast for southern Namibia on Wednesday.
23 June 2026 · Informanté →
NamPower inaugurates Africa's first fully digital substation
The Namibian Power Corporation inaugurated the Sekelduin Substation near Swakopmund, described as the first fully digital substation on the African continent, at a cost of N$394 million. The facility will serve as the main transmission supply point for the Erongo Region and support growing energy demand from economic development, industrial expansion, and population growth.
23 June 2026 · Informanté →
All 96 Fish River Canyon hikers rescued safely
All 96 hikers stranded in the Fish River Canyon since Sunday have been rescued after overflowing dams caused dangerous water levels downstream. The hikers, part of Namibia Wildlife Resorts' annual winter hike, became trapped after heavy rains filled the Naute Dam beyond capacity, forcing NamWater to open its sluice gates.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
NamPower launches multi-billion transmission expansion under master plan
NamPower is implementing major electricity transmission projects to strengthen Namibia's power grid and support economic growth, including the N$2 billion 400kV Auas-Kokerboom Transmission Line expected to be commissioned in the second half of 2028.
23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NamWater plans seasonal Kavango River extraction
NamWater says water will be extracted from the Kavango River only during the wet season under the proposed Kavango Link Project, to safeguard the river.
23 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 22 June

NWR rescuing 96 hikers trapped in Fish River Canyon
Namibia Wildlife Resorts is rescuing 96 hikers from nine groups stranded in Fish River Canyon since Sunday after heavy rains caused the Naute Dam to exceed capacity, forcing NamWater to open sluice gates that sent dangerous, rapidly rising water downstream. The Fish River hiking trail has been temporarily closed until conditions are declared safe.
22 June 2026 · The Namibian →