Water pricing and its determinants in Namibia

Abstract

As per the United Nations, the provision of affordable portable water is considered an inherent entitlement for every individual. The lack of global access to water is a prevalent issue, despite its status as a fundamental human right, primarily attributed to the exorbitant cost associated with its acquisition. The absence of effective coordination, inadequate planning and strategizing, suboptimal policy implementation, and the dearth of necessary regulatory mechanisms collectively contribute to the limited availability of affordable water access. The objective of this study was to ascertain the factors that contribute to the escalation of Nam water tariffs in the Khomas region of Namibia. The investigation employed a mixed-methods approach. There has been a notable rise in the Khomas region of Namibia. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. The research revealed that various factors influenced the pricing of water, including the type of water services, the conditions associated with water provision, water collection methods, water quality, pumping distance, facility costs, and the age of the water infrastructure. The study proposes the implementation of various measures to effectively manage groundwater resources, including the enforcement of water laws and regulations, the implementation of water protection and emergency preparedness protocols, the renewal of infrastructure, and the replacement of obsolete water systems. The study additionally proposed that Nam water’s management should place greater emphasis on risk management and foster collaboration and integration among stakeholders in matters pertaining to water pricing.