Namibia's Water Pollution: Business Impact And Responsibility

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Namibia due to the scarcity of potable water in the country. The availability of water for human, livestock, industrial, and agricultural use is a significant environmental concern. Namibia's dry climate makes it prone to droughts, leading to limited freshwater resources. While the country has made notable improvements in water quality and access since the 1990s, water pollution caused by businesses and industries remains a critical challenge. Mining processes, such as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, have been identified as major contributors to water pollution, threatening the fragile ecosystems and communities that depend on clean water sources.

Mining and fracking

Namibia's mineral-rich landscape has led to a thriving mining industry, which is one of the country's largest economic sectors. The country produces diamonds, uranium, copper, magnesium, zinc, silver, gold, lead, semi-precious stones, and industrial minerals. In 2014, Namibia was the fourth-largest exporter of non-fuel minerals in Africa, and mining contributed 14% of its GDP.

However, mining activities can have detrimental effects on water sources. In 2011, an exploration license was granted for the Sandpiper phosphate mine on the seabed of the Atlantic off the shore of Walvis Bay. This mine posed a potential threat to water resources, leading to the revocation of its environmental clearance certificate in 2017.

The availability and quality of water are significant environmental concerns in Namibia, and the country is highly dependent on groundwater. Mining activities can deplete and contaminate these precious water sources. The extraction of minerals requires significant water usage, and the resulting wastewater can contain harmful pollutants. Inadequate wastewater treatment and disposal further exacerbate the issue, leading to water pollution and ecological damage.

Fracking, a controversial technique used in oil and gas extraction, has also been a cause for concern in Namibia. The process involves injecting fluid into the ground at high pressure to fracture rock formations and release oil or gas. This method has been associated with environmental risks, including water pollution.

In the Okavango region, plans for oil drilling and potential fracking by ReconAfrica have sparked protests from environmentalists and community leaders. They argue that the drilling of boreholes and the construction of roads, pipelines, and buildings could threaten the ecosystem through oil spillage, noise pollution, and water contamination. The region is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the largest herd of African elephants, and any pollution could have devastating consequences.

While ReconAfrica and the Namibian government initially denied that fracking was part of their plans, there are concerns that the company may be downplaying the environmental impact of their operations. Experts have questioned the company's environmental impact assessment, highlighting the potential for water pollution and the lack of transparency around water usage and wastewater disposal. The potential for fracking in the Kavango Basin has further heightened worries, as this technique has been associated with negative environmental consequences in other regions.

Poor waste management

Namibia's water resources are already scarce due to its dry climate and dependence on groundwater, and poor waste management exacerbates this issue. Municipal waste often ends up in landfills, leading to public health issues such as flies carrying pathogens and mosquitoes breeding in waste materials.

Businesses in Namibia can contribute to water pollution through improper waste disposal and inadequate treatment of wastewater. Industrial activities, including mining and smelting, can release pollutants into water sources if waste management practices are not properly implemented. Inadequate treatment of wastewater before discharging it into water bodies can contaminate them with harmful chemicals and pollutants.

Additionally, Namibia's water processing plants are responsible for conducting their own quality checks and submitting the data. However, it has been noted that many plants seldom submit this data, indicating a potential lack of transparency and accountability in water quality management. This can lead to untreated or improperly treated wastewater being released into water sources, further degrading water quality.

Furthermore, the country's reliance on groundwater and the construction of pipelines to transport water over long distances can also be impacted by poor waste management practices. If waste is not properly managed and disposed of, it can contaminate groundwater sources and affect the quality of water being transported through pipelines. This can have significant consequences for both human consumption and agricultural use, as 72% of Namibia's water is utilized for agriculture.

Lack of water governance

Water governance in Namibia has been a challenge due to various factors, including climate variability, population growth, and limited water resources. The country's arid climate makes it prone to droughts, and any changes in rainfall patterns can have significant impacts on water availability.

Namibia's capital, Windhoek, has experienced rapid population growth, which has exacerbated the existing water scarcity issues. The combination of a growing population and unpredictable rainfall patterns has led to water and energy shortages, as well as poor sanitation and waste management.

While the government has implemented policies such as the Water and Sanitation Policy (WASP) to improve water quality and access, especially in rural areas, more needs to be done to address the underlying issues of water governance. One of the main challenges is the lack of effective enforcement of regulations. For example, water processing plants are required to conduct and submit quality checks, but this is often not done, as mentioned in a source. This lack of compliance can lead to unknown water quality issues and potential pollution.

Another aspect of the lack of water governance in Namibia is the inadequate protection of water sources. For instance, the Goreangab Dam, which supplies water to Windhoek, has faced pollution issues. It was suggested that establishing a protected zone with restricted activities around the reservoir could help mitigate this problem. Additionally, the country's dependence on groundwater makes it vulnerable to pollution from various sources, including mining and fracking activities.

Furthermore, the social and economic impacts of inadequate water governance cannot be overlooked. Insufficient sanitation and access to clean water have been identified as major health hazards in Namibia, particularly in rural areas. The use of "flying toilets" and open defecation are common practices due to the lack of access to improved sanitation facilities. This situation has significant health implications for the population and can hinder economic development.

Industrial wastewater

Namibia is one of the driest countries south of the Sahara, with an average rainfall of 250 mm per year. However, due to the heat, 83% of rainwater evaporates, and only 1% infiltrates the ground. This makes water scarcity a significant issue in the country.

The country's water supply and sanitation are managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, with NamWater, a state-owned bulk water supplier, operating dams, pipelines, and water treatment plants. The capital city, Windhoek, has been at the forefront of direct potable reuse systems (DPR) for over 50 years. The Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant, commissioned in the 1960s, was the world's first large-scale DPR project, treating municipal wastewater to make it suitable for drinking. This has significantly reduced the pressure on groundwater resources.

However, there are still challenges regarding water quality and access, especially in rural areas. In 2008, only 13% of the rural population had access to basic sanitation, and many residents in townships cannot afford private flush toilets due to their water consumption and installation costs. The use of open areas near residential land for urination and defecation poses a significant health hazard.

While industrial sources of water pollution are limited, mining and smelting activities can contribute to water pollution, especially in the north, where there are high background ozone levels due to vegetation burning, and high levels of aerosols and mineral dust.

To address water scarcity and pollution, Namibia has implemented policies such as the Water and Sanitation Policy (WASP) and partnered with companies like Veolia and Fluence, which specialize in wastewater treatment and reuse. These efforts have improved water quality and availability, with total improved water increasing from 70% in 1990 to 91% in 2015.

Water scarcity

Namibia is one of the driest countries on the African continent, and water scarcity is a significant challenge. Windhoek, the capital city, depends on surface water runoff, groundwater systems, and recycled greywater for its water supply. However, due to the high evaporation rate, only a small percentage of rainfall ends up as runoff or groundwater recharge, leading to a heavy dependence on groundwater systems. The city's high population and water demand have further exacerbated this issue.

The country has taken several measures to address water scarcity, including building dams, constructing pipelines, and pioneering potable water reuse in Windhoek. However, water scarcity continues to be a pressing issue, with rural areas being the most affected. In these areas, access to water is limited by the long distances between residences and water points, and many residents rely on traditional wells. Additionally, sanitation is insufficient in most residential areas, and access to improved sanitation facilities has not improved significantly since independence.

The government has implemented policies such as the Water and Sanitation Policy (WASP) to regulate wastewater reuse and promote water conservation. Technology has also played a crucial role in increasing water access and improving quality. For example, Windhoek has implemented direct potable reuse systems (DPR), treating wastewater and returning it directly to the water supply. Despite these efforts, water scarcity remains a concern, and Namibia spends about 3% of its GDP on water utility operation expenditures.

The discovery of a vast underground lake in the northern Ohangwena region in 2012 raised hopes for an additional water source. However, tapping into this resource sustainably and ensuring its suitability for human consumption could take several years. In the meantime, some businesses are taking initiative to address the drought, with construction companies like HH Schultz Construction using recycled greywater for their projects. Social media has also played a role in holding companies accountable for their water usage, with local groups promptly reporting any wasting of water.

Overall, water scarcity in Namibia is a complex issue that requires continued innovation, technological advancements, and sustainable water management practices to ensure access to this precious resource for all residents and businesses.

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