By Hoandi !Gaeb
KEETMANSHOP – The sewerage system at Kalkrand in the Hardap Region is nearing collapse, leading to fears of an outbreak of water-borne diseases.
The CEO of Kalkrand, Seth Boois, told New Era that efforts by the village council to maintain the system have failed and unless there is intervention from government to replace the system speedily, the people of Kalkrand, particularly schoolchildren, would suffer immensely.
Boois said the reticulated vacuum system was breaking down in other villages as well. “Gibeon is currently replacing its reticulation system and Kalkrand must follow suit. The consequences of failing to do this will be too ghastly to contemplate,” he said.
The sewerage water is running onto the roads and the police barracks are also under sewerage.
The Kalkrand CEO said since he joined the village council the system has kept failing, with the result that more and more electricity is needed to keep it going. Hence the high electricity bill of the village.
Boois said the Equity Trust Fund of the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development was approached to assist in finding a permanent solution by replacing the vacuum system, but nothing has come of the efforts.
“This problem has become a national problem and a concerted effort is necessary to resolve the crisis,” Boois said.
Kalkrand was officially warned by experts to do something about the vacuum system or face disease and even death from contaminated water.
Stampriet village is also sourcing funds to replace its outdated sewerage vacuum system.
Constant leakage and overflow cause sewerage deposits in residential areas.
“It is unhygienic and unacceptable as children are playing in the water and running the risk of picking up diseases,” said Boois.