Namibia, a land sculpted by relentless desert winds and famed for its vast uranium reserves, is facing its most brutal adversary yet – a century-long drought. This crisis has cast a long shadow over the nation’s ambitious development plans, particularly for its booming mining sector and green hydrogen ambitions.
In a beacon of hope, Calle Schlettwein, Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, announced the long-awaited construction of a second desalination plant. “This project has been on the cards since 1998,” Schlettwein said, highlighting the urgency that has finally propelled the initiative forward.
The new plant, boasting a 20 million cubic meters capacity, is slated for completion by early 2027. This vital infrastructure project is a lifeline for Namibia’s burgeoning industries. The country, currently the world’s third-largest uranium producer, has witnessed a surge in exploration and acquisitions, fueled by a global scramble for the coveted metal.
“Companies from Australia, Canada and Russia are rushing for a share in Namibia’s uranium industry,” the article explains. This prosperity, however, comes at a cost – a thirst that Namibia’s current water sources simply cannot quench.
The narrative then shifts to emphasize the strain on existing resources: “Mines in Namibia’s mining capital, Erongo region, have relied heavily on two groundwater aquifers and desalinated water from the privately owned Orano Desalination Plant.” These sources, however, are already stretched thin, collectively yielding just under 30 million cubic meters per year.
Schlettwein acknowledges the inadequacy: “Our ambitious development plans, along with those of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, increased mining activities, industrial demand, agriculture and food production, have pushed projected demand beyond what these sources can deliver.”
The human cost of the drought is not understated. Namibia’s central bank has warned that the drought and water supply woes pose significant risks to the country’s projected 3.7% economic growth in 2024. In May, the gravity of the situation prompted President Nangolo Mbumba to declare a national state of emergency.
Namibia’s fight for water security is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between progress and environmental sustainability. The second desalination plant offers a glimmer of hope, but it also serves as a wake-up call. Namibia must navigate its development aspirations with a keen eye on responsible water management and long-term environmental viability.
