Neckartal Dam gets green light

The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Hon. John Mutorwa recently paid a visit to the site of the Neckartal Dam near Keetmanshoop. Mutorwa, who was accompanied by Karas Governor, Bernadus Swaartbooi and other stakeholders, stated that although the construction of the dam was interrupted for a very long time, “practical implementation of the awarded tender to construct the dam is now final. The Neckartal Dam Project, which was conceptualized more than a century ago has now become a reality, 23 years after Namibia’s attainment of political freedom and genuine independence,” Motorwa said.
The dam will be located in the Fish River 45 kilometer outside Keetmanshoop and is expected to be three times larger than the Hardap dam in Mariental. An estimated 1000 people will be employed to construct the damwall, designated as Phase One bulk water supply. Actual construction is expected to start later this month. The estimated costs of Phase One is N$2.8 billion.
The minister requested a patriotic understanding, maximum involvement and uncompromising support from all stakeholders to ensure the project’s successful completion.
A detailed design for the Neckartal Dam was produced by the German Colonial government in 1908.