19,300 hectares secured for Neckartal's next chapter

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform is advancing Phase 2 of the Neckartal Irrigation Scheme as it seeks to expand agricultural production on land surrounding the Neckartal Dam.

ǁKharas Governor Dawid Gertze said the government had acquired 19,303.6 hectares of land downstream of the dam.

"This land includes the farms Dagbreek, Schlangkopf, Tschaunap, Schaapplaats and Eppanau. During the 2026/27 financial year, the focus will shift to surveying, demarcating and advertising the entire landholding. The area will be zoned for dual-purpose use, combining commercial farming units with community-based agricultural projects," Gertze said.

The second phase of the project would be implemented jointly by the ministry's Division of Lands and the ǁKharas Regional Council's Surveying Unit.

"This marks a decisive step towards transforming Neckartal into Namibia's premier agricultural growth corridor. The expansion aims to strengthen national food security, stimulate regional economic growth and optimise resource use through modern irrigation systems," he said.

A public consultation meeting held at the WK Rovers Hall in Tseiblaagte on 23 June 2026 was attended by regional leaders, traditional authorities, community representatives and residents.

"We are optimistic about the impact this project will have on our region. Active participation and constructive input will help ensure that this project is implemented responsibly, maximising benefits for our communities while addressing concerns with transparency and care," Gertze said.

The Neckartal Dam was inaugurated in March 2020 and is located approximately 40 km west of Keetmanshoop. It is a curved gravity dam, Namibia's largest, and stands approximately 80 metres in height, measuring 518 metres in crest length, with a volume of approximately 850,000 cubic metres. The dam surpassed its full capacity and overflowed in 2025 and 2026.