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Windhoek taps running dry

Home National Windhoek taps running dry
Windhoek taps running dry

Windhoek mayor Joseph Uapingene asked the capital’s citizens to use water sparingly to preserve the precious liquid wherever possible. This is as the city is suffering under strain from inadequate water supply due to low rainfall and diminishing underground sources. 

“I would like to urge all residents to use water sparingly and save wherever possible. Now that we are exceeding our monthly water consumption target, and this is not sustainable, especially considering that the Von Bach Dam water level is currently low at 17.9%,” Uapingene warned last week during their ordinary council meeting. The capital is required to save at least 10% of water consumption. The weekly consumption target was 422 877 kilolitres but the actual consumption was 516 556 kilolitres. The weekly water watch indicates the city will consume more water than allowed. 

In the meantime, domestic water consumers with a consumption of more than 40 kilolitres or 40 000 litres of water per month will be officially notified to implement saving measures. 

The mayor added that water-saving measures can reduce consumption and help preserve this valuable resource. He added it is crucial for all the city residents to take immediate steps to conserve water by implementing and sticking to water-saving practices. 

In May this year, agriculture, water and land reform minister, Calle Schlettwein warned of a potentially catastrophic water situation for the capital. Schlettwein said a lack of adequate rainfall during the last rainy season is most likely to result in Windhoek’s feeder dams running dry within the next few months.

“Very soon Windhoek will be under pressure, specifically in 12-months’ time, then the dams will be dry, and we will have to source water far away. We will get some water from Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region, and from your own boreholes here from the deep aquifers. So, you must keep your eyes on that because we cannot afford Windhoek to run dry,” the minister cautioned at the inauguration of the Namibia Water Corporation board in the capital at the time. 

Meanwhile, the City of Windhoek stated that with the current hot weather, it recorded the highest water consumption rate in the city. 

The concerned municipality has advised residents to work harder to save water and steer clear of activities that require large quantities. 

“Recall that you will pay less the more water you save. Please look for leaks on your property and fix them right away to help you use less water. Each drop matters,” reads a City statement. 

– mndjavera@nepc.com.na