WaReNam
Multi-Scale Water Reuse Strategy for Namibia: Technology, Governance and Capacity Development
Project title Multi-Scale Water Reuse Strategy for Namibia: Technology, Governance and Capacity Development
Acronym WaReNam
Project processing Andrea Friebe, M.Sc.
Duration 01.05.2024 – 30.04.2028
Grantor Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Project Partners Germany:
  • Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE)
  • Emschergenossenschaft / Lippeverband (EGLV)
  • MANN + HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions GmbH (M+H)
  • FUCHS Enprotec GmbH
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Namibia:
  • University of Namibia (UNAM)
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR)
  • Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD)
  • Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST)
  • Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL)
  • Cuvelai Watercourse Commission (CUVECOM)
  • Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT)
  • Namibian Water Corporation (NamWater)
  • Municipality of Walvis Bay
  • Oshakati Town Council
  • Outapi Town Council
Project content Namibia is classified among the driest nations in southern Africa and faces a serious water security risk due to impacts of climate change. In order to address the urgent issue, WaReNam aims to develop and implement a national water reuse strategy together with Namibian partners. The new strategy may diversify existing water resources and increase Namibia’s water security. Focus is set on the three fundamental levels: Technology, Governance and Capacity Development. The institute WUB guides the technological aspects and seeks solutions for different water reuse scenarios (agricultural and industrial reuse). Innovative solutions are being tested at two locations, which include adapted technological processes for wastewater reuse, creative institutional structures, and novel capacity development. Co-evaluation will be conducted throughout the process to assess the impact and efficacy of the implemented measures. The results obtained serve as a basis for up-scaling and transfer to other locations facing similar challenges. The current condition needs solutions that best suit Namibia’s conditions and needs as well as the specific requirements of the intended reuse. The challenge is to identify suitable combinations of technologies that remove COD and ensure hygienically safe effluent while retaining nutrients when irrigation is intended. It requires technological innovation, learning, institutional adaptability, and political support across all levels and sectors to develop cost-effective and low-tech solutions.