WINDHOEK – The City of Windhoek (CoW), in collaboration with Santam Namibia, unveiled flood warning and depth marker signs on Monday to improve public safety at high-risk river crossings throughout Windhoek.

Speaking at the event, Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja said the flood risk awareness billboards mark a proactive approach to community education. 

“Through these billboards, we aim to raise awareness about the causes, impact
and preventative measures related to fire and floods. Empowering our citizens with knowledge is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and promote resilience,” she added. 

She said the initiative is a continued effort to build a safer, more resilient, and better-prepared capital, citing the unveiling of flood risk awareness billboards as a symbol of a shared commitment to protecting lives, property, and livelihoods.

Santam Namibia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Franco Feris highlighted that the insurance company has committed N$150 000 towards the installation of the critical warning and depth marker signage across flood-prone areas in Windhoek.

The newly installed signs will serve as a visible reminder of these risks, particularly at the city’s most flood-prone hotspots such as Arebbusch Street (Cimbebasia), Pelican Street (Hochland Park), Nelson Mandela Avenue (Eros), Metje Street (Eros), Erosweg, and Salem Street (Dolam), among others.

Each identified site, he said, “Will feature stacked warning signs and water depth markers designed to be highly visible and weather-resistant, helping to alert motorists and pedestrians when riverbeds become unsafe to cross, and ensuring that lives are saved during the rainy season.”

He stressed that Namibia’s risk landscape has evolved, creating risk to pedestrians
and vehicle drivers, saying the initiative is a visible reminder of flood risks.

“Shifting climate patterns and rapid urbanisation have significantly increased the frequency and intensity of flash floods, with a rise in vehicles and pedestrians being washed away in riverbeds during sudden downpours,” he said.

Larandja urged the public to refrain from vandalising the warning signs. -Nampa