New N$30m Tsumeb water plant stalled by N$3m funding gap
The Tsumeb municipality says it needs at least N$3 million to launch operations at its newly completed water treatment plant, which aims to resolve the issue of unsafe drinking water supply residents have reportedly endured for over three years.
The plant, built following a Cabinet decision at a cost of over N$30 million, is ready, but the municipality requires N$3 million to cover operational expenses.
Tsumeb acting CEO Frans Enkali told Namibian Sun that once the funds are secured, residents will no longer have to boil water or rely on store-bought supplies due to bacterial contamination in the town’s water system.
Enkali confirmed that the plant's construction did not fall under the local authority.
"There is a shortfall of N$3 million for it to run. We also have to make sure that we have our staff learning from the experts how to run it after it is handed over to us,” he said.
“As for the shortfall, we have approached the relevant ministries so that they assist us with the funds. Only then will we know when the issue of water will be addressed.”
Frustrated residents
Residents of Tsumeb recently voiced their frustration with the local authority for failing to provide clean drinking water for years.
“Council must get serious. They have been telling us through the media that the issue will be addressed, but what is happening on the ground is just a failure to deliver clean drinking water to us,” a local resident said.
“After spending millions on the treatment plant, nothing positive has come out. We are still buying water to drink, cook for our pets and water our plants because the water coming from our taps is not safe," the resident added.
In addition to contamination, residents said they have recently faced days without access to the water, creating a serious health risk.
“We are going without water for a number of days, and we are expected to understand. They are failing to fill up the dams and what we are being told is that pumps are damaged, yet the council is able to spend money on purchasing vehicles. Service delivery should be more important to them," a resident said.
Enkali acknowledged the community’s frustration but said residents are kept informed about the situation.
"They just hear a figure; however, we have a procurement process, and everything will have to be accounted for," he explained.
On reports that taps have run dry for days, Enkali attributed the shortages to power outages and damaged water pumps.
The acting CEO also explained that when the town experiences power outages, the electrically powered water pumps cannot operate, preventing dams and reservoirs from supplying water to residents.
Leaders not lobbied for support
Last month, both urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the town for various engagements. The water issue was reportedly not raised during their visit.
Enkali confirmed that, despite both leaders visiting the town, the municipality did not formally submit a request for support to secure the funds needed, as the visit was unrelated to the matter.
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The plant, built following a Cabinet decision at a cost of over N$30 million, is ready, but the municipality requires N$3 million to cover operational expenses.
Tsumeb acting CEO Frans Enkali told Namibian Sun that once the funds are secured, residents will no longer have to boil water or rely on store-bought supplies due to bacterial contamination in the town’s water system.
Enkali confirmed that the plant's construction did not fall under the local authority.
"There is a shortfall of N$3 million for it to run. We also have to make sure that we have our staff learning from the experts how to run it after it is handed over to us,” he said.
“As for the shortfall, we have approached the relevant ministries so that they assist us with the funds. Only then will we know when the issue of water will be addressed.”
Frustrated residents
Residents of Tsumeb recently voiced their frustration with the local authority for failing to provide clean drinking water for years.
“Council must get serious. They have been telling us through the media that the issue will be addressed, but what is happening on the ground is just a failure to deliver clean drinking water to us,” a local resident said.
“After spending millions on the treatment plant, nothing positive has come out. We are still buying water to drink, cook for our pets and water our plants because the water coming from our taps is not safe," the resident added.
In addition to contamination, residents said they have recently faced days without access to the water, creating a serious health risk.
“We are going without water for a number of days, and we are expected to understand. They are failing to fill up the dams and what we are being told is that pumps are damaged, yet the council is able to spend money on purchasing vehicles. Service delivery should be more important to them," a resident said.
Enkali acknowledged the community’s frustration but said residents are kept informed about the situation.
"They just hear a figure; however, we have a procurement process, and everything will have to be accounted for," he explained.
On reports that taps have run dry for days, Enkali attributed the shortages to power outages and damaged water pumps.
The acting CEO also explained that when the town experiences power outages, the electrically powered water pumps cannot operate, preventing dams and reservoirs from supplying water to residents.
Leaders not lobbied for support
Last month, both urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the town for various engagements. The water issue was reportedly not raised during their visit.
Enkali confirmed that, despite both leaders visiting the town, the municipality did not formally submit a request for support to secure the funds needed, as the visit was unrelated to the matter.
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