The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has officially broken ground on Phase 1 of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement Project. The landmark N$219,697,642 infrastructure overhaul will replace a critical bulk water supply line that has served Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas in the Kharas Region since 1971. Chief Executive of NamWater, Abraham Nehemia, said the project will secure Namibia’s future water security, empower communities and foster economic growth in the southern regions. Keetmanshoop Municipality Councillor, Emrica Blaauw, said the pipeline is a renewal, a promise of progress for the people of the region. “The project is expected to create approximately 50 jobs during construction and is fully funded by us.”