Residents warn that Gobabis rubbish problem worsening
Residents of Gobabis have raised concern over the worsening state of rubbish dumps and ongoing sewage problems.
They say the issues pose a direct threat to human health, the environment and local wildlife.
Residents told Namibian Sun that open rubbish dumps around the town have expanded significantly. A video recorded at the end of 2025 shows waste scattered well beyond the designated landfill areas, polluting surrounding land.
The affected areas are home to wildlife, including free-roaming horses, kudus, duikers and steenbok. Residents say the continued spread of rubbish poses a risk to these animals and accelerates environmental degradation. Additional photos indicate that the situation is worsening.
Plastic and other waste are regularly blown by the wind into trees, fences and residential areas, where it can remain for weeks.
Service delivery criticised
In addition to the rubbish dumps, residents report ongoing and worsening sewage problems. Open manholes, overflowing pipes and other deteriorating infrastructure pose risks to both health and the environment, residents say.
They also expressed frustration over poor service delivery in some areas, particularly recent prolonged power outages.
In early January, parts of the town were without electricity for almost a week after an underground cable reportedly burned out. Residents said repairs were delayed due to a lack of equipment.
Although NamPower supplied a replacement cable, the entire damaged section had to be replaced, and work progressed slowly, residents told Namibian Sun.
Questions submitted to the Gobabis town council remained unanswered by the time of publication.
“At least we still have beautiful sunsets,” a resident noted, “but it is discouraging when plastic bags from landfill sites hang in trees for weeks.”
They say the issues pose a direct threat to human health, the environment and local wildlife.
Residents told Namibian Sun that open rubbish dumps around the town have expanded significantly. A video recorded at the end of 2025 shows waste scattered well beyond the designated landfill areas, polluting surrounding land.
The affected areas are home to wildlife, including free-roaming horses, kudus, duikers and steenbok. Residents say the continued spread of rubbish poses a risk to these animals and accelerates environmental degradation. Additional photos indicate that the situation is worsening.
Plastic and other waste are regularly blown by the wind into trees, fences and residential areas, where it can remain for weeks.
Service delivery criticised
In addition to the rubbish dumps, residents report ongoing and worsening sewage problems. Open manholes, overflowing pipes and other deteriorating infrastructure pose risks to both health and the environment, residents say.
They also expressed frustration over poor service delivery in some areas, particularly recent prolonged power outages.
In early January, parts of the town were without electricity for almost a week after an underground cable reportedly burned out. Residents said repairs were delayed due to a lack of equipment.
Although NamPower supplied a replacement cable, the entire damaged section had to be replaced, and work progressed slowly, residents told Namibian Sun.
Questions submitted to the Gobabis town council remained unanswered by the time of publication.
“At least we still have beautiful sunsets,” a resident noted, “but it is discouraging when plastic bags from landfill sites hang in trees for weeks.”
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