Major investment in the pipeline for Wlotzkasbaken
Addressing long-standing service delivery gaps
The Erongo Regional Council has allocated around N$24.4 million towards infrastructure development in Wlotzkasbaken.
The Erongo Regional Council has allocated approximately N$24.4 million towards infrastructure development in Wlotzkasbaken – a small settlement situated approximately halfway between Swakopmund and Henties Bay – in what officials describe as “one of the most ambitious development drives in the settlement’s history”.
During the February council meeting, councillors discussed progress on the phased infrastructure rollout, including water reticulation, staff housing and urban planning.
“This forms part of an effort by the regional council to address long-standing service delivery gaps in the only coastal settlement in Namibia without formal water, electricity or sewerage infrastructure,” the council minutes state.
A survey of Wlotzkasbaken homeowners assessing the viability of the current water carting system found that all 64 respondents preferred piped water connections to their properties.
In response, the council launched a multiphase development plan to upgrade water provision and related infrastructure.
The first two phases, which have been completed, involved constructing a reservoir and upgrading the pipeline supplying water to the settlement. Phases 3, 4 and 5 – budgeted at N$19.2 million – will focus on connecting properties directly to the internal reticulation system. This includes 73 erven in phase 3, 96 in phase 4, and 89 in phase 5.
Councillors noted that the settlement office has been completed and officially inaugurated, while staff housing is expected to be finalised by the end of March. Additional developments in progress include the valuation roll, township establishment, land surveying, land use planning, building plans, and the drafting of a zoning scheme. Provision has also been made for the procurement of a septic tank trailer.
‘Rich man’s shanty town’
Council chairperson Benitha Imbamba previously said the council’s plans “are not going to be bulldozed over the residents’ or anyone’s interests”. She emphasised the council’s commitment to inclusive development and the importance of consultation in projects affecting local communities.
The proposed township expansion, which includes 522 new erven for residential and institutional use, has raised concerns among some locals, who fear that large-scale development may alter the unique character of the area. Known for its distinctive water towers and informal, non-permanent structures, Wlotzkasbaken has long been referred to as the “rich man’s shanty town”.
An environmental assessment by Geo Pollution Technologies highlighted both the economic benefits of the proposed developments and potential negative impacts, including changes to the landscape and the settlement’s identity. The ‘Black Rocks’ area – a dolerite ridge noted for its environmental and aesthetic value – has been designated a conservation zone and will not be subject to development.
While some residents support infrastructure upgrades, they advocate for improving existing services rather than large-scale expansion. The council, however, has reiterated its long-term commitment to completing the water provision project and enhancing living conditions in the settlement.
Wlotzkasbaken, initially founded as a holiday angling area in the 1930s, has developed into a primarily holiday-based settlement over the past 90 years. In 1992, it was officially changed from a peri-urban area to a settlement and is now under the jurisdiction of the Erongo Regional Council. With no electricity supply, connected water, or sewerage, Wlotzkasbaken remains the only coastal settlement in Namibia without such formal services. Water is carted to individual houses upon request and pumped into elevated tanks.
During the February council meeting, councillors discussed progress on the phased infrastructure rollout, including water reticulation, staff housing and urban planning.
“This forms part of an effort by the regional council to address long-standing service delivery gaps in the only coastal settlement in Namibia without formal water, electricity or sewerage infrastructure,” the council minutes state.
A survey of Wlotzkasbaken homeowners assessing the viability of the current water carting system found that all 64 respondents preferred piped water connections to their properties.
In response, the council launched a multiphase development plan to upgrade water provision and related infrastructure.
The first two phases, which have been completed, involved constructing a reservoir and upgrading the pipeline supplying water to the settlement. Phases 3, 4 and 5 – budgeted at N$19.2 million – will focus on connecting properties directly to the internal reticulation system. This includes 73 erven in phase 3, 96 in phase 4, and 89 in phase 5.
Councillors noted that the settlement office has been completed and officially inaugurated, while staff housing is expected to be finalised by the end of March. Additional developments in progress include the valuation roll, township establishment, land surveying, land use planning, building plans, and the drafting of a zoning scheme. Provision has also been made for the procurement of a septic tank trailer.
‘Rich man’s shanty town’
Council chairperson Benitha Imbamba previously said the council’s plans “are not going to be bulldozed over the residents’ or anyone’s interests”. She emphasised the council’s commitment to inclusive development and the importance of consultation in projects affecting local communities.
The proposed township expansion, which includes 522 new erven for residential and institutional use, has raised concerns among some locals, who fear that large-scale development may alter the unique character of the area. Known for its distinctive water towers and informal, non-permanent structures, Wlotzkasbaken has long been referred to as the “rich man’s shanty town”.
An environmental assessment by Geo Pollution Technologies highlighted both the economic benefits of the proposed developments and potential negative impacts, including changes to the landscape and the settlement’s identity. The ‘Black Rocks’ area – a dolerite ridge noted for its environmental and aesthetic value – has been designated a conservation zone and will not be subject to development.
While some residents support infrastructure upgrades, they advocate for improving existing services rather than large-scale expansion. The council, however, has reiterated its long-term commitment to completing the water provision project and enhancing living conditions in the settlement.
Wlotzkasbaken, initially founded as a holiday angling area in the 1930s, has developed into a primarily holiday-based settlement over the past 90 years. In 1992, it was officially changed from a peri-urban area to a settlement and is now under the jurisdiction of the Erongo Regional Council. With no electricity supply, connected water, or sewerage, Wlotzkasbaken remains the only coastal settlement in Namibia without such formal services. Water is carted to individual houses upon request and pumped into elevated tanks.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article