Okahandja residents grapple with constant sewage leaks
Residents worry about health impact
The municipality has allocated funds for repairs and maintenance as it works to upgrade a decades-old sewage system amid a growing population.
Persistent sewage spills across several areas in Okahandja have raised serious health and safety concerns among residents.
Despite visible efforts by municipal workers – with more than five staff seen addressing the issue by Network Media Hub (NMH) on a Sunday morning – the situation remains unchanged.
“They are trying, but nothing is really improving,” a frustrated resident told NMH.
According to municipal spokesperson Master Penna, the root of the problem lies underground.
The municipality has allocated funds for repairs and maintenance as it works to upgrade a decades-old sewage system amid a growing population.
“These ageing pipes are frequently blocked by tree roots, sludge, stones and other solid materials, causing recurring overflows and backups throughout the town,” Penna acknowledged.
Growing problem
Several additional factors have also exacerbated the problem, he added.
The theft of manhole covers has left sewer access points exposed, with children seen throwing objects such as plastic, stones and rubber into the open holes. In addition, industrial waste discharged into the municipal system by local manufacturers is further compounding the crisis.
Residents living close to these sewage hotspots have raised serious concerns, stating the conditions are “completely unhealthy”.
Motorists also voiced frustration.
“After every car wash, we have to drive through sewage again. It’s a waste of money,” complained one local driver.
Efforts underway
The town's current sewage system was originally built for a much smaller population.
To address this, the municipality is in the process of upgrading infrastructure by increasing the diameter of sewer lines to meet current demands. New developments are now required to use polymer-based heavy-duty plastic manhole covers to prevent theft.
The municipality confirmed that funding has been allocated and remedial work is under way.
Maintenance on the main sewer line leading to the oxidation ponds is being carried out at an estimated cost of N$5.5 million.
Additional maintenance is ongoing in the Nau-Aib, Smarties and Vedersdal areas, with a combined estimated budget of N$2.08 million.
Meanwhile, the municipality has placed staff on standby to respond swiftly to sewage-related complaints, aiming to improve service delivery and restore public confidence.
In the meantime, residents continue to contend with flooded streets, clogged drains and a persistent stench – with no clear end in sight.
Despite visible efforts by municipal workers – with more than five staff seen addressing the issue by Network Media Hub (NMH) on a Sunday morning – the situation remains unchanged.
“They are trying, but nothing is really improving,” a frustrated resident told NMH.
According to municipal spokesperson Master Penna, the root of the problem lies underground.
The municipality has allocated funds for repairs and maintenance as it works to upgrade a decades-old sewage system amid a growing population.
“These ageing pipes are frequently blocked by tree roots, sludge, stones and other solid materials, causing recurring overflows and backups throughout the town,” Penna acknowledged.
Growing problem
Several additional factors have also exacerbated the problem, he added.
The theft of manhole covers has left sewer access points exposed, with children seen throwing objects such as plastic, stones and rubber into the open holes. In addition, industrial waste discharged into the municipal system by local manufacturers is further compounding the crisis.
Residents living close to these sewage hotspots have raised serious concerns, stating the conditions are “completely unhealthy”.
Motorists also voiced frustration.
“After every car wash, we have to drive through sewage again. It’s a waste of money,” complained one local driver.
Efforts underway
The town's current sewage system was originally built for a much smaller population.
To address this, the municipality is in the process of upgrading infrastructure by increasing the diameter of sewer lines to meet current demands. New developments are now required to use polymer-based heavy-duty plastic manhole covers to prevent theft.
The municipality confirmed that funding has been allocated and remedial work is under way.
Maintenance on the main sewer line leading to the oxidation ponds is being carried out at an estimated cost of N$5.5 million.
Additional maintenance is ongoing in the Nau-Aib, Smarties and Vedersdal areas, with a combined estimated budget of N$2.08 million.
Meanwhile, the municipality has placed staff on standby to respond swiftly to sewage-related complaints, aiming to improve service delivery and restore public confidence.
In the meantime, residents continue to contend with flooded streets, clogged drains and a persistent stench – with no clear end in sight.
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