The Omuthiya Town Council has allocated N$1,3 million to the construction of stormwater infrastructure at the town.
The project was prompted since the town has been experiencing stagnant water at shopping malls, roads and at different areas around the town when it rains.
Council spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge yesterday said the aim is to convey and reduce the chances of flooding water, which flows over land surfaces within and around town.
She said the construction site handover to Omalenga Construction CC took place on Monday.
“This is the first phase of the project and will cost the council N$1,3 million. This infrastructure is expected to be completed on 29 May,” Shingenge said.
According to her, stagnant water around town has been of concern to the council.
“For a long time, we had an issue of water accumulating at shopping malls and other areas whenever it rains. This then prompted the council to construct water channels (culverts) to efficiently manage rainwater across the town’s commercial and residential areas,” she said.
Shingenge said stagnant water does not give residents and tourists a good impression of the town.
“This is part of our mandate to deliver quality services to our residents by ensuring no flooding takes place at the town,” she said.
Earlier this year, the Ondangwa Town Council cleaned the town’s earth channels and culverts to mitigate the risk associated with flood.
Town spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho said cleaning was done through random inspections and reports from residents whose channels are reported to be blocked.
She said the water channels were created to allow and channel the flow of water collected either from houses or highland to lowland, however, some residents use water channels and culverts as dumpsites.
“The dumping of garbage causes blockages and subsequently flooding of properties when not addressed quickly.
Residents are therefore encouraged to refrain from dumping refuse into these water channels,” Shitalangaho said.
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