Help the City keep taps open

The authorities have reassured Windhoek residents that no taps will run dry this weekend, when urgent repairs and upgrades will take place at the Von Bach Dam.During the two and half days of repairs at the dam, a drop in water pressure is expected and discoloured water is likely because the municipality is drawing water from its emergency borehole scheme. The municipality has urged the public to use water as sparingly as possible to ensure the water lifeline is not interrupted by overuse. Industries and businesses, including car-wash operators, are urged to reduce activities that will put additional pressure on the city's stretched water resources. “Windhoek consumers will not face a complete interruption, but low pressure is likely to be experienced. But water will run from the tap, as we will switch to the borehole scheme for those days,” says City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya.The public was reassured that the municipality “will maintain its disinfection standards, which guarantee that water is safe and fit for human consumption.”The emergency water supply period begins at 17:00 on Friday and will continue for 60 hours until Monday at 06:00. During this time valves along the pipeline to the purification ponds will be replaced. Technical experts, who declined to be named, warned that there is some concern that residents and businesses located north of Windhoek and the two booster pump stations could experience water interruptions if water use is not very carefully managed.Residents there, including those living at the Mix informal settlement, should take timely precautions and stock up in case their taps run dry, Namibian Sun was informed.Most importantly, although plans are in the pipeline to assure taps remain open, experts say that teamwork from residents, who should use water sparingly, will be vital to keep the water flowing. Although NamWater's spokespeople could not be reached for comment, the City of Windhoek's Amutenya said they had been assured that “all consumers in the Windhoek to Okahandja area will be taken care of by NamWater”. The municipality has confirmed that according to its monthly outlook, water demand in the city peaks at roughly 76 000 cubic metres per day. Residents must still comply with water saving measures.In the case of any water problems, the municipality should be contacted at 061 290 2402, 061 290 2162, or 061 290 3668.JANA-MARI SMITH

Help the City keep taps open

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Help the City keep taps open

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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