The Neckartal Dam project, expected to boost agricultural opportunities, strengthen water security, and stimulate economic development in southern Namibia, has been questioned by leaders in Keetmanshoop and ||Kharas. Keetmanshoop mayor Emrico Blaauw expressed concerns that the project's progress has been slow, emphasizing the need for the dam's water to strengthen water security in the town and the wider ||Kharas region. The municipality currently relies on NamWater for its water supply and maintains backup reservoirs to mitigate supply interruptions.
Blaauw highlighted that the existing reservoirs are insufficient to meet the growing town's full demand, and the municipality is exploring other water sources to address the issue. In 2025, an agreement was signed with the University of Namibia's Southern Campus to investigate underground water resources in and around Keetmanshoop. The study aims to determine the availability, sustainability, and quality of groundwater resources, which could support future urban agriculture and other water-dependent economic activities.
The Neckartal Dam is expected to play a crucial role in agricultural development in the region, but Blaauw indicated that further development has been slowed by administrative processes, including land-related matters. He mentioned that negotiations with landowners around the dam are ongoing, and once completed, agricultural projects such as vineyards could begin taking shape. The dam's water is anticipated to provide a reliable source for irrigation, supporting the growth of various crops and agricultural activities.
||Kharas Regional Council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi emphasized the importance of keeping communities informed about developments regarding the Neckartal Dam. Regional leaders have facilitated engagements between the government and communities over the project, ensuring that their concerns and needs are addressed. Witbooi stressed that communities are not against development but want to be included in the process for the benefit of their communities.
Community advocate Gert Titus cautioned that the success of Neckartal should not be measured solely by the economic activity created during its construction. While the construction phase generated jobs and increased spending in Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas, Titus wants to know how much permanent economic development the project will bring. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive assessment of the project's impact on the local economy and communities.
Blaauw reiterated that investment in additional water sources, storage capacity, and sustainable water-management systems is increasingly important to meet the demands of a growing town. The council's backup water reservoirs provide a crucial buffer during supply interruptions, but they are not a long-term solution. The municipality's efforts to explore alternative water sources and implement efficient water management systems are essential for ensuring the region's water security.
The delays in the Neckartal Dam's progress have raised concerns among local leaders, who are eager to see the project's benefits realized. With the dam's completion, the region can expect to see increased economic activity, improved water security, and enhanced agricultural opportunities. However, it is essential that the concerns and needs of local communities are addressed, and that the project's impact is carefully monitored to ensure its long-term success.
Key points
- Delays in the Neckartal Dam project have raised concerns among local leaders over the slow progress in unlocking agricultural opportunities and water security.
- The project's success should not be measured solely by the economic activity created during its construction, but also by its long-term impact on the local economy and communities.
- Investment in additional water sources, storage capacity, and sustainable water-management systems is crucial to meet the demands of a growing town.
