Keetmans water woes: ‘Drought of leadership, flood of excuses’

“We are elderly people.

“It is very uncomfortable for us living at Westdene to go up the hills close to Oxpass to go fetch water from the trucks the municipality provides every time there is no water.”

These are the words of Keetmanshoop resident Sam Barnard.

The town, together with Lüderitz and Bethanie, is experiencing regular water disruptions due to pipe breaks or breakdowns at pump stations.

Others towns with similar issues are Walvis Bay and Oshakati.

Barnard says intermittent water cuts do not only disrupt residents’ daily activities, but also hinder hygiene and the provision of food through gardening projects.

“At least if the municipalities would inform us in advance that there will be a period we will be without water, we can prepare for it.

But most times you realise there is no water only when you open the tap.”

He says when residents call the service provider, “the leaders are out of town, not available and cannot tell you why we don’t have water”.

‘POOR PLANNING’

Barnard says the town’s leaders are not focused and are failing in their planning and maintenance of town infrastructure.

“We have not seen Keetmanshoop attend to water infrastructure for more than 10 years. When you go into the informal settlement, sewage is overflowing,” he says.

Birds Mansions Hotel owner Riana Jacobs says the business is fortunate as it is positioned in a low-lying area, which means during water cuts the hotel will only face a few hours without water at a time.

“But that is terrible, because you have guests. They must use water, they must shower, and we need water to cook for them as well,” she says.

AGEING NETWORK

A significant portion of Keetmanshoop’s water network is over 45 years old, leading to frequent pipe bursts and water wastage.

Three weeks ago, the municipality embarked on three projects valued at close to N$10 million to improve service delivery by constructing sewerage and water services, installing mast lighting and upgrading roads.

Keetmanshoop mayor Annelize Knaus says the municipality is working continuously towards improving essential services and infrastructure at the town.

“These initiatives, valued at nearly N$10 million, shows our commitment towards this community.

They are expected to be completed within the next three months to benefit the community and enhance local infrastructure,” she says.

The town’s ageing pipes cause significant water losses due to leaks, with one study showing that a third of its water was lost to leakages in 2012.

Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement issued during the town’s latest water disruption says the main water supply pipeline from Naute Dam to Keetmanshoop experienced a pipe burst, leading to low levels at the reservoir.

He says NamWater relies on revenue from water sales to maintain operations, upgrade infrastructure, and expand access.

However, with the current scenario of local authorities, private individuals, state-owned enterprises, and government institutions owing NamWater a cumulative N$2.4 billion, of which N$889 million is owed by local authorities, the water utility’s ability to provide reliable services is hampered.

“It is crucial for local authorities to recognise the gravity of this situation and take decisive action to fulfil their obligations, ensuring uninterrupted access to water for all residents,” Ndamanomhata says.

SKYROCKETING DEBTS

He says the Rundu Town Council owes NamWater N$333.9 million, while Rehoboth has a debt of N$108.5 million.

Khorixas owes N$71.7 million, Otavi N$70.7 million, Keetmanshoop N$56.6 million, Opuwo N$47.5 million, and Gobabis owes N$45.3 million.

Karasburg, the Otjozondjupa Regional Council and the Okakarara Town Council owe N$35.7 million, N$35.2 million and N$34.1 million, respectively, and the Omaheke Regional Council owes N$24.8 million.

“When non-payment becomes unsustainable, as seen with outstanding debts exceeding N$2.4 billion, NamWater is forced to take measures to recover funds and ensure service continuity. Without debt recovery, investments in ageing infrastructure will be delayed, jeopardising reliable water supply,” he says.

The spokesperson says NamWater has not increased tariffs in four years, despite rising operational costs.

UNDERGROUND WATER

Keetmanshoop Urban constituency councillor Joseph Isaack has proposed to the town’s municipality to make use of underground water.

“This can serve as an alternative source for water supply to its residents and will alleviate the municipality’s debt burden with NamWater,” he says.

Private consumers owe NamWater N$341 million, municipalities have an outstanding N$211 million and village councils owe N$146 million, while debt of rural water communities stands at N$676 million.