By: Mathias Hangala
The City of Windhoek (CoW) has launched a mobile exhibition titled ‘Wastewater: A Valuable Resource in Windhoek’ at the Windhoek City Museum, valued at N$40,000.
According to Aaron Nambadi, curator in the Economic Development Division, the cost covered the design, printing, and official launch of the exhibition.
The exhibition focuses on Windhoek’s history, particularly its pioneering efforts in water reclamation, as well as indigenous plants.
It highlights the city’s global recognition as one of the first in the world to implement direct potable water reuse, an innovation that dates back decades.
The exhibition is open to the public and will run throughout the year.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Mayor Albertina Amutenya said the museum plays a role in preserving and showcasing artefacts that reflect the city’s history, art, and culture, thereby fostering a sense of identity and continuity among residents.
“This exhibition is not just a display, it is a journey and an opportunity to learn about the resource that defines our city: water,” she said.
Amutenya noted that Windhoek was the first city in the world to introduce purified sewage effluent into its drinking water system.
“The exhibition demonstrates the science, innovation, and commitment behind water reclamation. It helps us understand why water is precious and reminds us that conserving it is not just a choice, but a responsibility,” she added.
She highlighted that the City has invested in mobile exhibitions over the years to bring its history closer to citizens and visitors, where past exhibitions – including the Emergency Management Exhibition, the Mutete Wakaholo Contract Labour Exhibition, and the Namibia-Finland Mobile Exhibition – have demonstrated the power of sharing history in engaging ways.
“The Municipal Council of Windhoek continues to invest in city museums, as they serve as important tourism assets, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural exchange,” stated Amutenya, adding that museums should also foster social cohesion.
Speaking at the same event, CoW Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi explained that Windhoek’s origins are closely linked to water sources, as settlers were drawn to areas with a reliable water supply.
“Windhoek is shaped by water, or more accurately, by the scarcity of it,” he said.
Situated in one of the driest regions in Southern Africa, Windhoek receives an average annual rainfall of between 300 and 400 millimetres, while experiencing evaporation rates of up to 3,500 millimetres per year.
The city’s annual water consumption stands at approximately 27 million cubic metres.
Despite these challenges, Matyayi said it has become a leader in water innovation, where, for over 50 years, the city has implemented the direct reuse of wastewater for drinking purposes.
“Today, reclaimed water contributes about 25 percent of Windhoek’s drinking water supply. The water is safe, tested in ISO-certified laboratories, and meets international standards,” he said.
He emphasised that water is a basic human right and essential for health, economic development, and the future of the city. “Without water, there is no city,” he added.
Through initiatives such as water reclamation, demand management, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment, the City continues to promote responsible water use.
The Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant produces thousands of cubic metres of safe drinking water daily.
Infrastructure, Water and Technical Services Department section engineer Jacobus Theron highlighted the cost and complexity of wastewater management.
He explained that by 1968, the city was forced to explore alternative water sources due to growing demand and limited supply, leading to the development of wastewater reclamation systems.
“We had no other option. That is why Windhoek became a pioneer in potable water reuse on a commercial scale, and we continue to receive global recognition for this achievement,” Theron shared.
Meanwhile, according to CoW’s spokesperson Lydia Amutenya, Windhoek’s annual water demand for 2026 is projected at 28.5 million cubic metres (m³), of which 26 million m³ will be used for residential and industrial purposes, while 2.5 million m³ is allocated to Managed Aquifer Recharge, bringing the total to 28.5 million m³.
