NamWater rejects Swakop water claims

NamWater has rejected claims circulating on social media that water supplied to Swakopmund is contaminated with Shigella bacteria and has made children ill.

In a media release issued on Friday, the bulk water utility said the claims, posted on the Swakopmunders Gesels Facebook group, were false and were not supported by credible evidence.

"NamWater unreservedly rejects these claims," the statement said.

The utility said the claims appeared designed to create fear and undermine public confidence in the safety and reliability of the water supply.

NamWater said microbiological testing conducted for its business unit coastal recorded a pass rate "almost consistently above 98%".