The first water drilled at the Namib Mills premises is unfit for human consumption, but the company will continue with its N$2.5 million project to find water.
Namib Mills CEO Ian Collard said in a media statement Wednesday that two water samples were collected and submitted to Analytical Laboratory Services in Windhoek for the chemical analyses.
Results show that although the water quality in general is good, the fluoride levels exceed the WHO potable water quality specifications and the iron levels were intermediate.
He said they decided to drill for water due to the persistent drought in Namibia as well as the water scarcity in the central areas of Namibia.
“Namib Mills believes that through this investment in a high quality potable water system, we will be able to ensure food security in the severe water scarce conditions Namibia is currently facing,” added Collard.
Namib Mills thus engaged in a geo-hydrological study in order to anticipate possible water sources on its premises in the Northern Industrial Area of the capital.
Results of the study showed possible water bodies in the aquifer and after the necessary governmental approvals, the company engaged in a project to drill, which commenced on 16 February and ended on 21 February 2016.
Authorities have warned that taps in the central areas of Namibia might run dry by the end of this year if alternative water resources are not exploited.
Water shortages have resulted in a restriction on some business operations in and around Windhoek.
NAMPA