CIF weighs in on water shortages

The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia recently weighed in on the water shortage being experienced in the central area when it spoke to the Economist this week through its General Manager, Bärbel Kirchner.
“The Construction Industries Federation consistently reminds its members of the importance of saving water; and to implement measures and processes that reduces the consumption of water. It would also be important that the planning of government projects and the related time line is considered. Naturally, the drive for infrastructure development by the government for job creation, stimulating the economy and to create further opportunities is important,” Kirchner emphasised.
According to her, re-cycled water is not suitable for concrete and building works. Kirchner advised that some government projects could be postponed owing to the water shortage. “In view of a looming water crisis, only key civil projects should be considered for the Khomas region. Three major road construction projects which are likely to take three years would require a lot of water. The development of an airport and a new Parliament Building cannot be considered as priority projects. Instead funds should be reallocated to projects addressing the looming water crisis as well as to projects outside of the central region.”
Added Kirchner, “existing projects need to be completed in the capital city, alongside proactive measures of making contingency plans, boreholes, water canals from the north, desalination plants. This must go along efforts to reduce urbanisation as well as key priority infrastructure developments in the Khomas Region must be planned for over a number of years and not all at once.”
IJG Securities recently gave their take on the looming water crisis experienced in the central area. “Water shortages and restrictions in Windhoek will directly affect economic activity in Namibia, impacting water dependent industries, such as construction. If water restrictions are implemented in Namibia, it would have a severe impact on the construction industry as they are heavily reliant on water supply.”