Ondangwa Pipe Burst Leaves Residents Without Water

Ondangwa — Residents from Ondangwa to Omuthiya have been facing water shortages since Tuesday night following a pipe burst at the J and M Complex in Ondangwa. NamWater’s chief strategy and corporate affairs officer, Kadiva Hamutumwa, confirmed the incident occurred around 23h00 on Tuesday at Ondangwa.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the Oshali pipeline, which runs under the Ondangwa J and M Complex, experienced a significant break, disrupting water supply downstream from Ondangwa. Hamutumwa indicated that due to this break, water supply shortages are imminent as the reserves in the reservoirs are depleting. She added that repair efforts have started and may take between 12 to 48 hours, necessitating partial demolition of the pipeline for access to the underground section. Hamutumwa emphasized the risks of constructing structures over water pipelines, as it can lead to cracks, ruptures, and potential contamination. She advised the public to maintain a safe distance from pipelines when building. NamWater has also requested critical institutions, like hospitals and police stations, which might face total water supply disruption, to contact NamWater Schemes for alternative water supply arrangements. In the meantime, all customers downstream from Ondangwa are urged to use water sparingly and avoid wastage.