Desalination has become a matter of “do or die”

Sharlien Tjambari

Desalination is not a luxury anymore. It has become a matter of do and die. This was the message on Wednesday by the Governor of Erongo, Clr Mutjavikua, during his State of the Nation Address (SORA). As the term refers, SORA is a platform each year by which the Governors of all of Namibia’s fourteen regions provide a snapshot of the economic and social condition of each particular region.

Governor Mutjavikua highlighted a number of key challenges Erongo face. The persistent drought is top on the agenda and in this regard the Governor said desalination has become a critical issue for the Region. Apart from water needed for humans and animals, mining and food security demands more water.
Unemployment, housing and the need for serviced erven in urban centres in Erongo, according to Clr Mutjavikua, is a growing problem which need urgent intervention.
On a more positive front, Governor Mutjavikua referred to a number of projects which offers economic opportunities to the Region. In this regard he referred to the salt washing plant of Walvis Bay Salt Refiners which nears completion and the completion of the container terminal on reclaimed land in the port of Walvis Bay that where construction is also winding up.
The Governor also made mention to other projects that raise the bar for prosperity in Erongo: the Erongo Development Agency (EDA); the Erongo Desalination Plant and the Omaruru Agricultural Development Corridor (OAD).