Quenching the coast's growing thirst

DR KUIRI F. TJIPANGANDJARA WRITES:Namibia is dry and the Erongo Region is thirsty. The absence of a reliable source of water in this part of the country is a concern, and it is also a major risk to water security.A water source with associated infrastructure is one the major factors in the water security equation. Hence, the planned construction of a reasonably-sized desalination plant will bring relief to all the consumers in the Central Coastal Area. Although it has taken some time for the Namibian Government to make up its mind on the development of new desalination plant, it is a decision that was taken in the interest of the country and in support of the water sector.The availability of affordable water of required quantity and acceptable quality is a good catalyst in the realization of industrial development objectives (as envisaged also in NDPs and the Harambee Prosperity Plan).With the new position taken by our Government, questions are being raised as to what to do with the Areva Desalination Plant. Will the developer opt to mothball this plant and then re-commission it when the uranium price improves and Trekkopje Mine is ready to received water for mining and ore processing?To avoid having an eyesore, do we tow the plant in in the ocean and allow it to sink to the bottom so as to spur reef growth – possibly, an attraction point for divers and tourists?It is worth noting that the two options, mentioned above, have major financial implications.I have argued against the acquisition of the Areva Desalination Plant for obvious reasons such as cost, the magnitude of additional investments, robustness of technology, age, etc.The location of this plant relative to NamWater''s major water distribution point, was another disincentive. As an anchor bulk water producer, these factors have not worked in favour of this plant.It will definitely serve no purpose to propose the de-commissioning of the Areva Plant, and then allow Rössing Mine to develop its own desalination plant. At the same time it is not fair to Rössing and/or any other mine to be supplied, for an extended period, with expensive water from a plant owned by a competitor.THE DANGER OF OPENING THE ''FLOOD GATES''If Rössing does succeed to build its own desalination plant, then the floods gates will be opened, and other mining houses or investors will come with similar requests. It will be unreasonable to refuse such applications, since approval have already been granted to Rössing and Areva.If the lessons from the Areva Desalination Plant are to be of any use, the Namibian Government must give considerate attention to the approval for the construction of desalination plants by private entities in the absence of an established and functioning regulatory body.If wholesale approvals are granted to developers, Namibia will have a number of small desalination plants mush-rooming along the coastline, with dome-like water reservoirs, spaghetti pipe lines and electrical wires crisscrossing the Namib Desert. These new sights will deface the pristine beauty of the landscape, and it will signal the beginning of the death of our much-admired tourism industry.Namibia can ill-afford to have a situation where users (mining companies, Local/Regional Authorities, or other investors) are engaged in the production of water. Mining companies, for example, are to locate ore bodies, mine, process the ore and extract valuable minerals; water production is neither their forte nor their core business. Investment in, and the development of water supply, roads and energy infrastructure are incentives many serious host countries prioritize to attract investors.Currently Local and Regional Authorities are under immense pressure by residents to alleviate water crises in various parts of the country. However, their participation in water production, as opposed to the provision of water-related services in their respective jurisdictions, will have little impact.A multitude of water producers will further erode the mandate of the national bulk water supplier, NamWater. When such a situation is created, consumers are the ones who will pay the price.Conditions must be created to lessen the financial burden on coastal water consumers, while awaiting the construction and the commissioning of the Mile 6 Desalination Plant. Whilst the Erongo Region is waiting impatiently to quench its thirst, we cannot wish away the Areva plant.DIALOGUE MUST STARTIn the Central Coastal Area, there are a number of water users with diverse interests. But, it is comforting to note that they have one thing in common, and that is the reliable supply of affordable water at all times.Given the current developments in the water security landscape, the geo-hydrological conditions of both the Omdel and Kuiseb Aquifers, and the position of our Government on a new plant, there is a need to have a look at the Areva Desalination Plant from another angle - not as an anchor bulk water producer. The current situation compel us to act with speed on this matter.Definitely, there will be dialogue amongst key stakeholders. The success of such dialogue will be influenced by the position taken by the owner(s) of the Areva Plant with regards to the current operation and maintenance regime, cost of water, security of future supply to the Trekkopje Mine, and modalities for the change in the ownership of the infrastructure.The position to be taken by the Namibian Government, on the other hand, in lessening this financial burden on the consumers, in the interim, is an important consideration in this dialogue.Namibia has had a colorful history as a far as the construction of seawater desalination plants is concerned. The transparency and the speed at which the procurement process will proceed for the construction of the Mile-6 Desalination Plant will bring comfort and assurance to all the stakeholders.At the end of the day, it is hoped that security of water supply can be realized through an integrated water supply system. This system must consist of the new Mile-6 Desalination Plant, the two aquifers, the Areva Desalination Plant and the water re-use facilities to be constructed.The development, operation and maintenance of water supply infrastructure must be accompanied by a beyond-reproach good governance system. This is the recipe for sustainable water security.Finally, the earlier discussions start, the earlier the crisis can be resolved and the earlier coastal users will be able to quench their thirst.* The author was in the employment of NamWater for the past 18 years in the capacity of General Manager: Water Supply/Operations, and General Manager: Engineering and Scientific Services. He holds a Doctor of Science Engineering Degree from the School of Engineering Applied Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA. This article was written in his personal capacity.

Quenching the coast's growing thirst

Kommentaar

Republikein 2025-06-18

Meld asseblief aan om kommentaar te lewer

Quenching the coast's growing thirst

Kommentaar

Republikein 2025-06-18

Meld asseblief aan om kommentaar te lewer

MELD AAN

Advertensie