Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Residents of the Havana and Hakahana residential areas in Windhoek have raised alarm over open sewage trenches along the Hakahana-Havana Road and Peter Nanyemba (Monte Cristo) Road, calling the situation a serious public safety risk.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement said more than five vehicles have fallen into the trenches recently, with criminal activity around the sites also on the rise.
AR Khomas regional chairperson Sem David said the unfinished road and sewage works have left the area unsafe for motorists, pedestrians, and children.
“Children are seen playing inside the trenches. These are not just health risks. They are also death traps,” he said.
David added that at night, the trenches become difficult to see, especially as there are no warning signs or barriers to protect road users.
“An elderly man was recently robbed by people pretending to assist him after his car got stuck. A community member who tried to intervene was allegedly shot at,” he said.
According to the statement, residents plan to close the trenches themselves if the authorities fail to act.
“We demand urgent action. Our lives cannot be held hostage by incomplete development,” it reads.
The roads in question serve as key access routes for many residents of Havana and Hakahana.
A Havana resident, Salmi Hamukwaya, said the trenches have become a daily danger.
“We fear for our children and ourselves. Every day, someone nearly falls in. Some people have lost phones and money after being robbed when their cars got stuck,” she said.
The City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya, said that the trenches along Peter Nanyemba Road are part of electrical installations and not sewer infrastructure.
“The trenches are for the installation of electrical services and not related to sewer works. The road construction is focused on the Omulunga and Winnie Mandela intersections. The recent rain caused delays, but we expect to open these by the end of April,” Amutenya said..
She added that safety measures are being undermined.
“Barricades and warning signs are in place but are constantly vandalised or removed by the public. The contractor replaces them weekly. We urge the community to protect these installations,” she said.
Octagon Construction is the contractor handling the project, which forms part of the Ongos Valley Township Development. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025.
Questions were sent by the Windhoek Observer to the Namibian Police to find out whether any of the reported criminal incidents had been recorded or investigated, and what is being done to ensure public safety at the sites.
No response was received by the time of publication.
