Stormwater blockage leaves Windhoek property at risk

A long-standing stormwater dispute has emerged in the Academia suburb of Windhoek, with resident Joseph Mundjindi raising concerns over blocked weep holes on an adjacent property.

The issue, he says, has persisted for nearly three years and is causing water to accumulate in his yard.

In an interview with Namibian Sun this week, Mundjindi explained that when he settled in Academia, his property was designed with stormwater provisions to allow water from higher-lying areas to flow through into the street.

He alleged that his neighbour and their contractor built a concrete wall that blocked these channels, resulting in flooding on his property.

“The elevation runs from the south to the north. Water was supposed to flow through my yard into the street, but they closed the box, and now my yard is flooding,” Mundjindi claimed.

He added that attempts to resolve the matter through the City of Windhoek have been slow, despite prior site inspections and instructions for the neighbour to reopen the channels.

In emails sent to the City’s stormwater division, Mundjindi highlighted the risk of structural damage to his property due to the blocked flow.

He said previous meetings with municipal officials included guidance for his neighbour to build a structure at their expense to channel the water, but they reportedly objected.

The resident also noted that he had to hire a water pump to prevent further damage as the rainy season approaches.

In an email, the municipality acknowledged the issue and its long duration.

A previous meeting with building control and roads maintenance reportedly did not take place, contributing to delays.

Namibian Sun reached out to the city’s stormwater division manager, Besty Munamwali, who confirmed that Mundjindi had been advised on measures to allow water flow but had raised concerns about the costs involved. “Mr Mundjindi is suffering the most. We suggested he assist with the installation of the weep holes if [the neighbour] has financial constraints,” Munamwali said.

He added that more accurate information could be obtained from Elizabeth Jarlow, who has been involved in the case.

Attempts to contact the neighbour for comment were unsuccessful, with the resident declining to speak on the matter and directing this publication to the municipality for more information.

According to Mundjindi, municipal regulations stipulate that structures must not be built within 1.5 metres of boundary walls in a manner that blocks stormwater access.

He says the prolonged delay in addressing the issue leaves him considering further measures to protect his property.

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