On 22 October 2025, local authorities from northern Namibia came together at NUST in Eenhana for a WaReNam Capacity Development Workshop focused on advancing wastewater treatment and reuse. The event aimed to foster inter-municipal collaboration, share local experiences, and explore practical solutions to water scarcity.
Outapi and Helao Nafidi Town Councils shared hands-on insights. Outapi highlighted benefits like employment, improved food security, and better hygiene from water reuse, but faced challenges including broken pumps, lack of lab technicians, and semi-treated wastewater overflowing to Oshana. Helao Nafidi reported selling treated wastewater for agriculture and industry while tackling high operational costs and technical limitations, with plans to expand reuse for human consumption.
Representatives from Oniipa, Ondangwa, Omuthiya, and other towns exchanged knowledge on treatment technologies, irrigation applications, and planning for new plants. The discussion revealed strong interest in forming a regional municipal network to share lessons, coordinate water management, and strengthen public trust in wastewater reuse.
Stefan Stegemann from Germany presented a model of municipal partnerships, demonstrating how networks can support knowledge-sharing and collective problem-solving. Participants expressed enthusiasm for adopting a similar approach, including joint facility visits and coordinated training initiatives.
The workshop concluded with agreements to create a formal platform for inter-municipal exchange, with a focus on treatment technologies, water quality, energy efficiency, public health, and environmental protection. WaReNam will continue to support these partnerships and build local capacity for sustainable wastewater reuse.