Sunday, 8 December 2024

Namibia: early days of diamond exploration - water delivery

Where there is Water there is Life........

The biggest challenge by far these early pioneers had to overcome was fresh water, particularly the shortage thereof.

Fresh water supplies to Conception Water were delivered by boat and then transported by mules and camels to the individual mine fields.

Fortunately, potable water found among the dunes of Conception Water during 1913 consequently resulted in the sinking of wells and a windmill being erected.

Anyone who has been to this laborious area would realize the massive task and effort it took to construct the 80 km pipe line across the dunes and linking it with the Meob Bay pipeline. 360 ton (13,300 pieces) of 6m long steel pipes were used to cover the 80 km. These imported pipes from Germany arrived by boat and then transported on ox wagons to the area.

Transportation of water to the fields was done using metal rolling vats covered with wooden strips.

These Lüderitzbucht constructed vats pulled by mules unfortunately also resulted in the conditions of the drinking water not always being favorable as a result of contamination.

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