Outcomes of the Namibia Water investment Conference Mr Abraham Nehemia Under Secretary for Water Affairs and Forestry 14 September 2012 Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry

OBJECTIVES To explore and showcase business opportunities and technologies for industry players To see the opportunities and available technologies and financial resources to propel the water sector business development. To provide an interactive platform for industry players and related organizations to network and exchange information. To learn about the emerging global trends and new innovations in water based industries. To encourage potential entrepreneurs to tap into the vast opportunities available in the water business sectors. To promote domestic production of plants, equipment, chemicals and parts for the water sector.

Key Issues Water resources should be managed according to IWRM principles recognising the issues of: – Ecological sustainability – Social Equity – Economic efficiency HE President stressed the importance of water for all Namibia's economic and social activities, to be used and managed in a sustainable manner towards Vision 2030 – Safe drinking water and proper sanitation are both essential for human well-being and prosperity – Water is the most important contributor to the country’s development prospects across the board Commitment by all stakeholders to engage in long term research and future investment program for development of the Water Supply and Sanitation sector

Access to improved sanitation services is lagging behind, especially in rural areas In view of development, pressure is put on water by rapid economic and population growth as well as climate variability There is a recognition of achievement in the water supply and sanitation sector by government, but investment patterns are skewed with little participation of private sector Challenges with water sector financing and possibility of involving private sector to support government to attract investors. Cost recovery and affordability

Challenges and opportunities Need for enabling policies and legislations for water resources management and to ensure risk minimisation (floods, drought and other climate related issues at national and international level – information sharing) Limited water resources; need to explore nonconventional water sources such as desalination and artificial recharge which will contribute towards water security (agriculture, mining, energy etc.) Efficiency of water infrastructure to protect wastage and pollution of water resources Need for capacity building – opportunities for SME in water sector, but need support (hand-holding)

Deliberations in thematic sessions Investment in water supply and sanitation infrastructure and technology development Management of water supply and sanitation services Water for Economic Development Water Resources Management Public/Private Partnership Capacity Building

Conclusion Policies and regulations need to be in place The risk to future supply of water and sanitation services is real – Sanitation backlog and targets (MDGs) – Need for joint efforts for sustainable solutions - financing Water supply infrastructure are expensive and requires investment (new and old; public and private) Financial requirements in excess of available funding Opportunities for grants and loans from Financial Institutions and international cooperating partners.

Limited human resources – Development of skills done at several institutions in the country, professional and technical – High turnover of staff Participation and community involvement to be encouraged Investment opportunities exist for private involvement, such as borehole drilling, billing system for operational efficiency Energy and water sectors should be coordinated Invest in value addition for water in agriculture Room for growth in PPP in water supply and sanitation sector Formulate regulations for PPP in Namibia

The objectives of the conference were met Synergies were established between the water sector and potential investors Specific opportunities and partners were identified for follow up The ball is set to roll – networks are established and must be explored and expanded This conference gave 10 % inspiration – now comes 90% perspiration

Way forward Conference organisers to provide linkages for possible engagement between developers and investors Develop project profiles for possible investors and continuously update them Hold regional conferences to look into specific regional needs Annual monitoring and evaluation of conference recommendations Possible second conference in the next five years