Niël Terblanché
Water rationing in Walvis Bay will continue until 30 June 2025, following an extension announced by the Municipality of Walvis Bay. The extension adds 31 days to the initial measures, which were due to end today.
The decision follows ongoing electricity supply problems affecting the Rooi Bank and Dorop South aquifer systems, which are key to the town’s water supply.
NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the utility advised the municipality to maintain water rationing to avoid complete depletion of reservoir levels. Voltage drops and ageing infrastructure continue to limit water extraction from the boreholes.
Daily water supply interruptions will now continue between midnight and 04:00. Ndamanomhata said this reduced four-hour window is due to ongoing technical work and stabilisation efforts.
He said NamWater is in the final stages of buying and replacing the damaged powerlines. Full completion is expected by the end of June 2025.
The initial rationing started on 24 March and lasted until 7 April after power outages in the Kuiseb area disrupted borehole operations. At the time, Ndamanomhata said the water supply from Dorop South and High Dune to the Mile 7 reservoir had dropped significantly.
Earlier this month, NamWater extended water rationing in Walvis Bay, also citing ongoing electricity supply challenges at the Rooi Bank and Dorop South aquifer systems.
On 16 April, Ndamanomhata confirmed that although the issues remained unresolved, the nightly water supply interruptions were reduced from six hours to four hours.
He said this progress was due to ongoing technical efforts and stabilisation measures.
At the time, NamWater also stated that it was in the advanced stages of procuring and replacing the affected powerlines, with full completion expected by the end of April 2025.
This latest round of rationing follows similar measures in 2022 and 2023, when water supply to Walvis Bay, including Langstrand, was cut daily between 23:00 and 05:00 from 22 December 2022 to 18 January 2023.
Residents and businesses are urged to use water wisely to ensure continued access for essential needs.
The municipality and NamWater said they remain committed to restoring full water supply and will continue sharing updates.
