Adolf Kaure The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) recently inaugurated phase 3 extension of its Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) near Okahandja. The launch marked a significant investment in human capital, vocational training and the long-term sustainability of Namibia’s water sector. NamWater board chairperson, Matty Hauuanga, emphasised that the HRDC represents far more than an investment... The post NamWater inaugurates N$6m HRDC facility appeared first on New Era .
Adolf Kaure
The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) recently inaugurated phase 3 extension of its Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) near Okahandja.
The launch marked a significant investment in human capital, vocational training and the long-term sustainability of Namibia’s water sector.
NamWater board chairperson, Matty Hauuanga, emphasised that the HRDC represents far more than an investment in physical infrastructure, describing it as a strategic investment in people, skills, institutional capacity and, ultimately, Namibia’s water security.
“Infrastructure without human capacity is an incomplete investment,” the chairperson said, underscoring the importance of developing the skilled workforce required to build, operate, maintain and modernise Namibia’s water infrastructure. Hauuanga also noted that the HRDC’s development has progressed significantly since NamWater embarked on the expansion of its hostel facilities in 2012.
At the time, the centre could accommodate approximately 65 trainees. The completion of phases 1 and 2, followed by the recently completed Phase 3, has substantially expanded the centre’s capacity and training environment.
The project includes the construction of hostel blocks A and B, the matron’s house, laundry and kitchen facilities, an ablution block, fire escape doors, a new main entrance and guardhouse, a sewer connection and security fencing.
The project was awarded to NBT Quality Services at a contract value of N$5.9 million, excluding value-added tax, with Afrique Designs serving as the consultant. The project was funded through NamWater’s capital budget.
Also speaking at the inauguration, NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia highlighted the strategic importance of the investment in strengthening the corporation’s organisational capacity and ensuring that NamWater has the people and skills required to effectively deliver its mandate.
“The strategic importance of this investment lies not only in the infrastructure delivered but also in what the facilities enable NamWater to achieve,” Nehemiah said.
The HRDC currently has a maximum training capacity of 720 trainees, with 368 students recorded in 2026, compared with 89 in 2025. NamWater employees trained increased to 110, compared with none recorded in 2023, while organisations providing job-attachment opportunities increased from 7 to 26 partners.
The centre currently provides training in areas including water care, plumbing, bricklaying and plastering, carpentry and joinery, diesel mechanics, general electrical, office administration, and heavy plant operation.
The expansion and diversification of training programmes are aimed at ensuring that skills development remains aligned with the operational requirements of the water sector and the changing needs of the Namibian economy.
In addition, the centre provides young Namibians with opportunities to acquire practical and vocational skills that can support employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in the economy.
Hauuanga further emphasised that every trainee passing through the HRDC represents a potential artisan, technician, supervisor, manager, entrepreneur or future water-sector leader.
The centre’s growing partnerships for job attachments further strengthen the connection between training and workplace experience, while continued engagement with government institutions, industry, training authorities, educational institutions and development partners remains central to the HRDC’s future development. The HRDC is also positioned to contribute to emerging areas of the Namibian economy. Its envisaged participation in the IGNITE Project, which could support the reskilling of approximately 240 artisans for the green hydrogen sector and bring assets valued at approximately N$9 million, demonstrates the potential for the centre to contribute to skills development beyond traditional water-sector training.
The occasion also highlighted the achievements of HRDC trainees in the WorldSkills Namibia competitions, where trainees have emerged as champions in water technology and plumbing and heating.
Two HRDC trainees will represent Namibia at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, in September.
The post NamWater inaugurates N$6m HRDC facility appeared first on New Era.
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