Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
The purpose of the Noordoewer/Vioolsdrift Dam (NVD) is to: increase the long-term sustainable yield of the Orange River System to replace the loss in yield due to upstream dam developments; provide for projected growth in water requirements; compensate for the impact of the Reserve implementation; provide re-regulation storage on the Lower Orange River for seasonal flow distribution.
Objectives
Project Objectives:
- Increase the long-term sustainable yield of the Orange River System
- Replace yield loss from Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2
- Support future large-scale irrigation developments in Namibia
- Compensate for environmental water requirement impacts
- Provide re-regulation storage for seasonal flow management
- Ensure sustainable river system management
Strategic Importance
The project will enhance water security and support economic development in both Namibia and South Africa while ensuring sustainable river system management through appropriate water storage infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
Concrete face rockfill dam with comprehensive water management systems
Capacity & Size
Storage capacity: 2,800 million m3
FSL: 230 masl
FSSA: 122.6 km2
Technical Details
Dam Parameters:
- FSL: 230 masl
- Freeboard: 12.5m
- NOC: 242.5 masl
- Dam Height: 80.5m
- Crest Length: 1km
- Crest Width: 10m
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
2015: PWC commissioned NVD Feasibility Study
2020: Feasibility studies completed
Next: ESIAs to be undertaken
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2020: Feasibility studies completed
Next Phase: ESIA studies
2025-08-18: Namibia & South Africa commit to a joint feasibility study for the N$4.07bn Noordoewer–Vioolsdrift Dam; study funding and bilateral coordination confirmed. — https://epaper.thebrief24.com/2025/August-2025/The-Brief-18-August-2025.pdf
2025-08-21: Namibia press notes project remains in planning with more studies pending; confirms cross-border coordination track. — https://www.we.com.na/infrastructure-we/water-infrastructure-to-be-expanded2025-08-21
Financing Structure
Structure to be defined after feasibility studies
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2015
Development Timeline
2015: PWC commissioned NVD Feasibility Study
2020: Feasibility studies completed
Next: ESIAs to be undertaken
Project Status History
Status 2020
Feasibility
Status 2022
Feasibility
Status 2024
Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 1.50M
Market Analysis
Market Demand
About 1.2 million people are within the project sphere of influence. The project supports agriculture and tourism sectors in the region.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Permanent Water Commission
Key Parties
Permanent Water Commission (PWC) - Namibia and South Africa
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Key risks include funding availability and environmental compliance. Critical success factors include ESIA completion and financing security.
Regulatory Risks
Requires coordinated regulatory framework between Namibia and South Africa
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Environmental and social impact assessments pending
Social Impact
Will support agriculture and tourism sectors, benefiting approximately 1.2 million people through improved water access and economic opportunities
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
The project has suitable attributes to involve the private sector, particularly in construction and operations
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete ESIA studies and secure financing
Contact Information
Ms Ndina Nashipili, Deputy Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform
Mr. Luckson Machingambi, Chief Engineer, Department of Water and Sanitation, RSA
