WALVIS BAY – NamWater confirmed a delay in the procurement of critical materials needed to restore the failing water infrastructure at the coastal town of Walvis Bay.

The town has been battling water challenges due to ailing  system, coupled with vandalism and theft that further worsen the situation. Walvis Bay primarily gets its water from the Kuiseb River, both from surface flow and from aquifers beneath the riverbed.

Water rationing for the past months has become a norm for the Baineers, forcing businesses especially the fishing industry to seek alternative measures for their operations using fresh water.

NamWater on Friday indicated that their plan to complete permanent repairs by the end of July is not possible anymore.

“Unfortunately, we’ve encountered delays in receiving the key components required for the replacement of corroded powerlines. This means we can no longer meet the initial end-of-July timeline. We will communicate a revised schedule once the materials arrive,” said NamWater Communications Manager Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement. 

He said, NamWater activated generator sets at boreholes in the Kuiseb New Delta Scheme as a temporary measure to boost supply.

According to the water utility, this interim solution is necessary to sustain water flow while working on a permanent solution. Ndamanomhata further explained that they will deploy three generators to power multiple boreholes. A 24-hour on-site security guard will also soon be stationed at the area to ensure safety and rapid response in cases of vandalism and theft.

Theft and vandalism

Despite the efforts to ensure continuous water supply, vandals damaged parts of the main overhead powerline, which supplies electricity to the Swartbank and Rooibank boreholes. The attack caused an immediate loss of 650 cubic metres per hour in water supply.

“We strongly condemn this unpatriotic act. Such sabotage undermines service delivery and development. We urge the public to report any suspicious activity near water infrastructure.”

The company mouth piece said although Erongo Red responded swiftly and restored power,  the damage further highlighted the vulnerability of the water
network.

“We, however, remain committed to resolving the crisis and continues to fund all interim interventions. 

“While the road to full recovery may be longer than expected, we are doing everything in our power to secure a stable and reliable water supply,” he said.

– edeklerk@nepc.com.nax