OSHIKATI: The recent heavy rainfall in Oshakati has led to flash floods, leaving numerous homes submerged and prompting residents to call for urgent intervention from local authorities. The floods have raised concerns about property damage and potential health risks due to nearby waste sites.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ndapandula Paulus, a resident of Okandjengedi South, expressed her concerns about the rising water levels, highlighting the difficulties residents face in mobility and the damage to their properties. “We are surrounded by a lot of water and our area is also close to a self-made dump site which can cause disease,” Paulus stated, urging the Oshakati Town Council to either fill the water pan behind their homes or allow residents to do so themselves.
In response, Oshakati Mayor Leonard Hango acknowledged the flooding issues but noted that the recent rains have been beneficial for the region. Hango attributed the flooding to the town’s poor drainage systems, which are exacerbated by the flat terrain that is prone to waterlogging. “We are lucky we got good rainfall. When it comes to rain it’s normal for water to dam up in areas where drainage is poor,” he remarked.
Mayor Hango also highlighted that informal land filling with sand has worsened the situation by blocking natural water pathways, leading to increased flooding in residential zones. He assured residents that while the formalization of Okandjengedi is still in progress, proper planning measures are being implemented to address these drainage challenges.
