Niël Terblanché
NamWater has deployed a water tanker in Opuwo to provide interim relief to residents still affected by a major disruption to the town’s water supply.
The water tanker is supplying water to communities such as Olushandja and Katutura, which remain without piped connections following flood-related damage to key infrastructure.
The national water utility’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the company has made progress in restoring water services after last week’s flooding severely impacted Opuwo.
“The 300 millimetre diameter feeder pipeline connecting three critical boreholes to the collector reservoir has been successfully reinstated. This, together with the reactivation of borehole pumps, has allowed water to begin flowing again into the town’s system,” he said.
He, however, added that access to the 250 mm feeder pipeline that links two more boreholes remains hindered by persistent waterlogging and mud in the riverbed.
“NamWater’s technical teams are monitoring the conditions closely and intend to resume repairs as soon as the site becomes accessible,” he said.
Floodwaters damaged several parts of Opuwo’s water infrastructure, including the treatment plant, the town’s main borehole to the west, and at least four pipeline sections.
The collector reservoir was also emptied as a result of the disruption.
“Our maintenance team has been deployed and is on the ground to assess the full extent of the damage and to initiate emergency repair work,” he said.
According to Ndamanomhata, NamWater’s broader response plan involves a full evaluation of all boreholes connected to the treatment plant, the installation of emergency pipelines, and the mobilisation of personnel and equipment needed to restore operations.
“We acknowledge the disruption this may cause to residents and businesses in Opuwo and affected areas of the North West Business Unit,” he said
Ndamanomhata again urged the public to remain patient as work progresses and assured residents that further updates will be provided.
