China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has confirmed plans to build Namibia’s largest seawater desalination plant in cooperation with NamWater, following approval from the Namibian government.
According to NamWater, the joint venture will involve CGN’s Namibian subsidiary, Swakop Uranium, funding the construction of the project and this ensures that the national water utility will not need to independently mobilize the required N$2.5 to N$3 billion for the project.
CGN says construction of the desalination plant will begin this year, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and upon completion, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 20 million tons of water.
The project, which has been included in the list of key projects under the China-Namibia Belt and Road Initiative according to Yicai, will significantly alleviate water shortages in Namibia, particularly in the central and western coastal areas.
The project is also expected to support the development of various industries, including mining, while creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
NamWater has indicated that although the plant will initially serve coastal water needs, there are plans for future expansion to supply water to Windhoek and Gaborone.
Currently, the Erongo Desalination Plant, operated by Orano Mining Company, supplies water to Namibia’s coastal regions.
The Husab Mine, a uranium project funded, constructed, and managed by CGN, is China’s largest physical investment in Africa.
According to statistics, the Husab Mine contributed 3.6%, or N$8.6 billion, to Namibia’s gross domestic product last year.
Namibia is the world’s third-largest producer and exporter of natural uranium. -M&E/Yicai
