Max Henrich

ONDANGWA - Community members in Ondangwa have damaged the sewage pond embankments located in Extension 9 (Ondhila). The pond was designed to hold sewage from nearby households when toilets are flushed. The waste is transported by water using gravity and flows into designated sewage ponds.

According to Ondangwa Town Council spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha, the sewage pond has fish, which are not fit for human consumption.

“We believe the community members or fishermen vandalised the pond to access fish. It is not clear where the fishermen are taking these fish. We, therefore, plead with the community around Ondangwa to desist from buying such fish as they are contaminated and not fit for consumption,” said Shitalangaho-Mutikisha.

The sewage pond was previously fenced off from the community but has unfortunately become accessible after criminals stole the fence.

“While the council is looking at a permanent solution to ensure the safety of the residents, especially those who might buy the fish from the sewage pond and how to protect the pond from this vandalism, we are asking for the residents nearby the pond to be on a look-out and be the eyes and ears of the council,” said Shitalangaho-Mutikisha.

She cautioned the community that whoever will be caught vandalising the sewage pond will be dealt with to the full extent of the law. Shitalangaho-Mutikisha added that all acts of vandalism should be reported to the council’s environmental health department or to the nearest Ondangwa police station.