Hungamo blames used condoms for Hilka Park sewer clogs
Matheuw Hungamo, owner of Hilka Park residential estate on the outskirts of Rundu, says repeated sewer pump failures in the area are due to blockages caused by inappropriate waste disposal by residents, including used condoms.
According to Hungamo, sewer pumps frequently burn out due to foreign objects being flushed into the system - items including used condoms, towels, T-shirts, and even animal intestines.
"Every time there's a leakage, it’s because a pump is not functioning," Hungamo said. "When we investigate, we find that the pump has burned out due to foreign objects being thrown into the system."
He revealed that four pumps have been replaced since the estate began operations, the latest just last week. Despite this, he expressed concern that the problem will continue unless residents change their behaviour.
A new pump has been installed, but Hungamo was uncertain how long it would last. “Whether that pump will work for two days, three months, or seven months, I don’t know. It depends on them. They should help us by not throwing rubbish into the pipeline,” he said.
However, some residents argue the sewerage problems have persisted for years without a lasting solution. Prince Muha, a Hilka Park resident, said the issues date back to February 2022.
“We raised verbal complaints initially, and while blockages were occasionally cleared, the problem always returned. I later filed a formal complaint, but no long-term fix has been implemented,” Muha said.
Adding to their frustration, residents say they continue to pay rates and taxes to the Rundu Town Council, even though maintenance is still handled by private contractors.
Hungamo confirmed that Hilka Park has not yet been officially handed over to the municipality, which means his team remains responsible for all repairs.
"We do not understand why we have to pay rates and taxes to the town council if maintenance is solely handled by the property owners," residents said.
When contacted for comment yesterday, Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga said he was unavailable, stating: "I cannot talk now, I am in a meeting."
According to Hungamo, sewer pumps frequently burn out due to foreign objects being flushed into the system - items including used condoms, towels, T-shirts, and even animal intestines.
"Every time there's a leakage, it’s because a pump is not functioning," Hungamo said. "When we investigate, we find that the pump has burned out due to foreign objects being thrown into the system."
He revealed that four pumps have been replaced since the estate began operations, the latest just last week. Despite this, he expressed concern that the problem will continue unless residents change their behaviour.
A new pump has been installed, but Hungamo was uncertain how long it would last. “Whether that pump will work for two days, three months, or seven months, I don’t know. It depends on them. They should help us by not throwing rubbish into the pipeline,” he said.
However, some residents argue the sewerage problems have persisted for years without a lasting solution. Prince Muha, a Hilka Park resident, said the issues date back to February 2022.
“We raised verbal complaints initially, and while blockages were occasionally cleared, the problem always returned. I later filed a formal complaint, but no long-term fix has been implemented,” Muha said.
Adding to their frustration, residents say they continue to pay rates and taxes to the Rundu Town Council, even though maintenance is still handled by private contractors.
Hungamo confirmed that Hilka Park has not yet been officially handed over to the municipality, which means his team remains responsible for all repairs.
"We do not understand why we have to pay rates and taxes to the town council if maintenance is solely handled by the property owners," residents said.
When contacted for comment yesterday, Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga said he was unavailable, stating: "I cannot talk now, I am in a meeting."
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