Public utility Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and mobile network operator and ISP MTC have announced a partnership to modernise Namibia’s water sector through digital innovation – and, importantly in a country where supply is more limited than most, save water.
NamWater and MTC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) early this week with the stated aim of enhancing service delivery, optimising operations and integrating cutting-edge technologies. These technologies will include smart water metering, digital payment systems, data analytics and cloud computing, all used to streamline water management and resource allocation. The implementation of such technologies will, it is hoped, help to reduce water losses and improve services across the country.
The partners also highlight joint research efforts which, they say, will foster the development of tailored digital solutions for water utilities in Namibia.
This agreement is more than just helpful; it could be crucial. As the Ecofin news service points out, Namibia is one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited water resources due to its arid climate. Recurring droughts and over-extraction of groundwater remain critical challenges.
Meanwhile, water demand is growing, and inefficient water management is a pressing issue. Losses from leaks, overuse, and mismanagement hit potential revenue and worsen water scarcity. Technology adoption can help to address these inefficiencies and enhance water management.
Indeed, Ecofin says that Namibia has earmarked N$10.82 billion (about US$598.8 million) for water infrastructure development, aimed at improving access and ensuring sustainable resource management.
This partnership is at an early stage; specific details and a timetable are not yet available. Nevertheless it provides a useful reminder of the positive effects IT and telecoms can have in water-deprived areas, especially at a time when data centre rollout in particular is straining water supply in places like Mexico.
