WaReNam – Water reuse strategy for Namibia

The international research project aims to develop a multi-level water reuse strategy for Namibia. To achieve this, the project integrates innovative technologies, adaptive governance, and capacity development at various levels. The ultimate goal is to enhance Namibia’s water security by creating the necessary framework for the nationwide implementation of water reuse.

Research approach
 

Within the transdisciplinary framework of WaReNam, scientists, policymakers, and representatives from administration and industry in Germany and Namibia collaborate to establish effective governance structures, develop tailored capacity-building approaches, and test water reuse technologies for agriculture and industry. The project uses the living lab approach to foster knowledge co-creation in a flexible, experimental environment.

Key elements of the project include:

• Establishing governance structures such as a National Implementation Committee, which oversees the development of the water reuse strategy. It receives support from a steering committee and specialized task forces focusing on policy amendments, harmonization, and risk management. A round table encourages cross-sectoral and multi-level dialogue, while a network of local and regional authorities ensures the strategy addresses local needs.
• To bridge skill gaps in wastewater treatment and reuse, the project provides targeted education and training for artisans, senior managers in local authorities, and decision-makers at national level. Training covers plant operation and maintenance, risk management, and finance. Academic collaboration links theory with practice.
• Pilot sites are established to develop and test innovative technologies tailored to local conditions. One for large towns such as Oshakati with waste stabilization ponds, focusing on water reuse for agricultural irrigation, and another for larger municipalities such as Walvis Bay with advanced wastewater treatment, aimed at water reuse for industrial purposes.
  The focus of ISOE's work is on accompanying the development of multi-level governance structures and processes, supporting cross-sectoral and multi-level communication, exploring financing options for water reuse plants, and enabling the international transfer of the water reuse strategy.

Background 

Namibia, one of southern Africa's driest countries, faces severe water security risks due to climate change, population growth, urbanization, and limited inland water resources. Diversifying water resources and reusing treated wastewater offers a sustainable solution to water scarcity. With existing wastewater pond systems holding significant potential, about 37% of municipal wastewater could be reused. However, scaling up is hindered by outdated infrastructure, limited technical skills, inadequate management, insufficient funding, and fragmented policies. 
The joint development of a water reuse strategy for Namibia by Namibian and German partners is an important step for advancing climate resilience, water security, and food security.

The research project focuses on enhancing scientific and technical cooperation between the Global North and Global South, in line with the SDGs. WaReNam specifically targets SDGs 6 ("Clean Water and Sanitation"), 11 ("Sustainable Cities and Communities"), and 13 ("Climate Action") by improving water security for populations, industries, and agriculture.

Research and project partners

• Technical University of Darmstadt (TUDa)
• Emschergenossenschaft und Lippeverband (EGLV)
• MANN + HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions GmbH
• FUCHS Enprotec GmbH
• Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR)
• University of Namibia (UNAM)
• Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST)
• Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL)
• Cuvelai Watercourse Commission (CUVECOM)
• Municipality of Walvis Bay
• Oshakati Town Council
• Outapi Town Council 

Associated partners

• Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD)
• Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT)
• Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater)
• Mecana AG
• ProMinent
• Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
• SADC Water Division
• International University of Management (IUM)
• African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) 

Funding

The project "WaReNam - Multi-Scale Water Reuse Strategy for Namibia: Technology, Governance and Capacity Building" is funded by the funding measure "Guidelines for Financing African-German Cooperation Projects in the Field of Water Security in Africa (WASA)" of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).