Contract for first phase of Naute–Keetmanshoop water pipeline replacement awarded

The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN), on behalf of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Construction of the Naute-Keetmanshoop water pipeline replacement and ancillary works to Adaptive Building Land Construction CC, a Namibian company, in joint venture with China State Engineering Corporation.


Valued at just over N$191 million (ex VAT), the project is fully funded by NamWater and spans 18 months. NamWater stated that the project represents a critical upgrade to Namibia’s southern water infrastructure, ensuring a reliable water supply to the communities of Naute, Keetmanshoop, and surrounding areas. The contract was formally signed on 23 September 2025 by CPBN, NamWater and the contractor, followed by the official site handover on 3 October 2025. The start of this vital project was delayed by nearly two years due to legal procurement challenges raised by unsuccessful bidders. Following a recent court ruling in favour of CPBN and NamWater, construction is now officially underway, marking a major milestone in strengthening the southern region’s water supply reliability. Once completed, the new pipeline will replace the ageing steel line, ensuring safe, consistent and reliable water delivery to Keetmanshoop and surrounding communities.


Phases - Phase 1 focuses on the construction of a new 36 km clear-water pipeline running parallel to the existing one, with some sections sharing the same trench. The new pipeline will be constructed using 450 mm diameter Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) pipes, installed below ground to enhance durability and extend service life. NamWater’s Civil Engineering Department will oversee detailed designs, bidding documentation, and construction supervision, while Adaptive Building Land Construction CC, in joint venture with China State Engineering Corporation, will execute the works under the Public Procurement Act. Project management services will be provided by NamWater’s Programme Management Department. Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project is expected to create approximately 50 local jobs and stimulate economic activity in the //Kharas Region during implementation. NamWater remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable water services in support of Namibia’s socio-economic growth and community well-being.


Background - Commissioned in 1972, the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Supply Scheme is one of Namibia’s key bulk water systems. It sources water from the Naute Dam, located on the Löwen River approximately 45 km southwest of Keetmanshoop. The dam has a reservoir capacity of 83.58 Mm³, with a safe yield of 12 Mm³ per year. Water is treated at the Naute Water Treatment Plant, which currently operates at 380 m³/h, below its design capacity of 450 m³/h due to ageing infrastructure. The system relies on a 43 km, 400 mm steel clear-water pipeline connecting the Naute treatment plant to the Keetmanshoop reservoirs. Constructed in 1971, this pipeline has deteriorated over time, suffering frequent leaks and bursts. Although 7.4 km were replaced in 2011, the remaining sections continue to fail, posing a serious risk to water supply security.