Namibia - Groundwater for the North of Namibia (CEB), Phase II
Country / Region: Namibia / Africa
Focal point: Groundwater
Begin of project: March 8, 2010
End of project: January 5, 2015
Status of project: September 9, 2015
Test well in Eenhana
Source: BGR
The Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (CEB) is situated in the central-northern area of the country, extending northwards into Southern Angola. The groundwater bearing formations form part of the largest aquifer system in the region, covering an area of over 100,000 km².
The CEB is the most densely populated part of Namibia with about half of the country’s population living here. Economically the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin is one of the fastest growing areas of Namibia. Drinking water supply for most of the population in the CEB is provided by an expensive pipeline system conveying water from the Kunene River/Calueque Dam (Angola). But the pipeline does not cover by far all regions and groundwater is still one of the major water sources for people, cattle, and irrigation. To improve groundwater management in the CEB is the main objective of the project and it contributes to the Namibian development goal to secure access to safe water for all.
Groundwater in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin is found in a complex system of stratified aquifers containing fresh to saline water (sometimes exceeding the salinity of sea water). No consistent conceptual model regarding the spatial distribution of fresh and saline water has yet been established, and the distribution of the depths and potential yields of the different layers are not yet known.of the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (CEB). Within the framework of German-Namibian Technical Cooperation the BGR is implementing the 6-year project “Groundwater Management in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin”.
This project will provide hydro geological base information to understand the groundwater potential in the catchment area and introduce groundwater management procedures. It will hence contribute to:
- Supply adequate, clean and safe water to the rural population
- Improve the water distribution network
- Protect the groundwater from pollution
- Increase agricultural and livestock production, and possible aquaculture
- Ascertain to what extent the available water will be able to support infrastructure development including possible new growth point
- Investigate into an economical use of the saline groundwater
In addition, the project has a strong focus on training of junior hydro geologists in the partner institution.
Download Flyer: Groundwater of the Cuvelai-Etosha-Basin
Pressemitteilung vom 23.07.2012
Technical Cooperation with Namibia
Project-No.: 2009.2096.7
Project-ID: 1062
Video: Namibia's new groundwater treasure
Project contributions:
Literature:
Partner:
Department of Water Affairs (DWA)