WALVIS BAY – The lack of a drainage system at Walvis Bay has turned into a headache for some residents who found themselves on the receiving end of unexpected rain.
Some of the low-lying houses in Kuisebmond and Narraville were flooded on Saturday night after the coastal town received sustained rain showers.
Residents voiced their frustration yesterday saying that the floods are nothing new and that the municipality fails to address the situation.
“It has been happening for several years but the problem has not been addressed,” a resident in Brandberg Street said.
She added that the rain not only damages their homes but also affects the lifespan of their appliances as well as home and household insurance.
Amelia Goses also told New Era that they have been asking the municipality to find a solution, as the floods have become a real problem for them.
“We are already dealing with the problematic sewerage system that floods our homes. This already shows that we have a huge problem at hand. We cannot pay rates and taxes and other related services but find ourselves in faeces and water. It is unacceptable,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Walvis Bay mayor, Trevino Forbes yesterday said flash floods are a major concern but the municipality has been doing all they can to assist residents.
“Our water department along with the fire brigade have been pumping the water from homes and streets since it rained on Saturday night. We are really doing the best we can under the current circumstances,” he said.
According to Forbes, who was on the scene with officials, no planning for a drainage system was done in the earlier years as no rain was expected for the coast.
At Walvis, water unlike in other towns cannot be absorbed fast enough by the soil due to the salt content and underground water.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na