Katima Mulilo Launches Major Wastewater Upgrade Through PPP Model

The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, in partnership with Katima Mulilo Town Council and private sector collaborators, officially launched the groundbreaking of a new wastewater treatment project aimed at transforming the town’s aging sewage infrastructure. The ceremony was officiated by the Honorable James Sankwasa, Minister of Urban and Rural Development, and was attended by a high-level delegation of dignitaries and stakeholders. Amongst them were the Governor of the Zambezi Region, the Mayor and CEO of Katima Mulilo, the Chief Regional Officer of the Zambezi Region, and key representatives from Fullbright Company, Old Mutual Namibia, and Nafasi Water Technologies.

The existing sewage network in Katima Mulilo was originally constructed to serve a population of only 500 people. Today, with a growing population of nearly 48,000, the outdated system has become overstretched, posing significant public health and environmental concerns. The town is also planning to deliver 10,000 new housing units before the end of the 2026 financial year, making the need for improved wastewater infrastructure even more urgent. In his keynote remarks, Minister Sankwasa stressed the importance of aligning housing development with essential infrastructure investments, calling the project a “strategic necessity” that will support both health and economic growth in the region.

The project represents a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) initiative that will span the next three years. It is designed to upgrade and modernise 23 pump stations throughout the town, overhaul the existing sewer ponds through oxidation, and construct a new, state-of-the-art Wastewater Treatment Plant. Once complete, the plant will have the capacity to serve at least 50,000 residents, accommodating Katima Mulilo’s current population and its projected growth.

Fullbright Company will lead the design, construction, and operation of the new treatment facility. Nafasi Water Technologies has been appointed as the main technical partner, bringing extensive experience in industrial water treatment and infrastructure development. Old Mutual Namibia will provide financing for the project, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable development and long-term impact. Paul Nakawa, Director for Strategy and Business Development at Nafasi Water Technologies, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“We thank all our partners for the trust and commitment to this transformative project. This is a commendable effort that shows PPPs can work effectively when aligned with national priorities. Other local authorities should draw inspiration from this model to accelerate their development agendas. With our well-rounded and vast experience in water treatment systems, we are confident in our ability to deliver on our technical mandate.”

This groundbreaking marks a significant step forward for Katima Mulilo and sets a strong precedent for similar projects across Namibia, where aging infrastructure and rapid urbanisation continue to place pressure on essential public services.

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