The 5th WaReNam Consortium Meeting, held on 16 October 2025 in Windhoek, brought together Namibian and German consortium partners to assess project progress and shape the next phase of Namibia’s water reuse journey.
Opening the session, Eugenia Kaundinge (MAFWLR), Professor Habauka Kwaambwa (NUST), and Dr. Martin Zimmermann (ISOE) welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of translating research into real-world solutions that strengthen Namibia’s water security.
The meeting reviewed ongoing Work Package (WP) activities under three main pillars: Technology, Governance, and Capacity Development. Under the Technology component, updates included progress on pilot projects in Walvis Bay and Oshakati, as well as UNAM’s planned irrigation test field. Despite customs and import delays affecting the demonstration plant setup, partners reaffirmed their commitment to completing installations in early 2026.The Governance discussions focused on the upcoming Steering Committee meeting (23 October 2025), where key ministries will decide whether Namibia’s efforts should culminate in a national water reuse strategy or policy. The meeting also reflected on the recent Round Table hosted by SASSCAL, which gathered diverse stakeholders to explore sectoral applications of reclaimed water. On Capacity Development, the consortium highlighted a successful NamWater HRDC workshop that identified joint training priorities and laid the groundwork for a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NamWater and EGLV. Progress was also shared on academic collaboration, student research, and awareness-raising activities planned through UNAM, NUST, and NCRST — including social media outreach and potential partnerships with NBC to promote water reuse awareness nationwide.
Partners also reviewed the project’s Exploitation Plan, identifying key “must-have” outputs such as the National Water Reuse Strategy, training manuals, policy briefs, and pilot technologies tailored for local conditions. The consortium underscored the importance of tangible, fit-for-purpose results that extend beyond research papers to direct community and institutional impact.
In closing, Charmonix Coetzee (MAFWLR), Dr. Zimmermann (ISOE), and Professor Kwaambwa (NUST) expressed appreciation for the partners’ continued commitment. The next consortium meeting will take place online in early 2026, followed by an in-person session in April or May 2026 alongside the next WaReNam project visit.