Namibia pushes water security amid climate challenges

Namibia is taking steps to strengthen water security as climate change and industrial projects put increasing pressure on the country’s limited resources, Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein said.

Speaking at the second Namibia Regional Water Symposium on Wednesday, Schlettwein highlighted the country’s dry climate and heavy reliance on groundwater, stressing the need for careful management to ensure long-term sustainability, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Namibia, as we all know, is the driest country in southern Africa, where water is both a precious and scarce resource,” he said. “Our reliance on groundwater, coupled with the unpredictable impacts of climate change, places us in a constant battle to ensure sustainable water supply for all.”

The symposium, held in Keetmanshoop, the capital of the Karas Region in southern Namibia, focuses on water security, economic development, and sustainable resource management.

Schlettwein pointed to the impact of major industrial projects, including green hydrogen production and mining expansion in the Hardap and Omaheke regions. “We must work together to ensure that these projects align with our broader sustainability goals and that water remains available and safe for all.”

According to Schlettwein, Namibia is implementing the Water Resource Management Act 11 of 2013, which took effect in August 2023, to provide a structured approach to water management and serve as a guideline for all water users.

He emphasized the need for cooperation among government agencies, businesses, and communities to address water challenges. “Water security cannot be achieved by a single entity. It requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment from all of us.”

The three-day symposium brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities to discuss water governance and future strategies.