Cimbebasia residents outraged by discolored water – News

Residents of Cimbebasia and other Windhoek suburbs are horrified by the brown water coming out of their taps.

They are frustrated by the inconvenience and potential health risks associated with consuming this water.

This frustration is fueled by a perceived lack of transparency from the City of Windhoek.

Residents say the city is unclear about the cause of the discolored water.

Resident Carl Sass says the water situation in Cimbebasia is a constant problem.

Photos of the brown water have been shared on the Cimbebasia WhatsApp community group.

“I have a filter system in my house, however, when I have to clean the filter, the amount of muddy debris that comes out of the water is horrible,” says Sass.

He says he has to replace his filtration system every three months instead of the usual six months.

Windhoek city spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed the problem yesterday, referring to a notice the municipality issued on Sunday.

In the statement, the municipality states that it is currently managing water shortages through the strategic use of emergency wells.

This initiative, implemented in June 2023, complements the municipal drinking water supply.

“While this action ensures continued access to water, residents in some areas may experience temporary alterations in the sensory characteristics of tap water, including color, taste, and odor,” the advisory reads.

The notice says the city prioritizes public health and safety.

The city also assures residents that the water supplied undergoes rigorous quality controls and remains safe for human consumption.

Certain areas that receive exclusively well water, such as Olympia, Suiderhof, Kleine Kuppe, Cimbebasia, Prosperita, Auasblick, Pionierspark, Academia, Rocky Crest, Hochland Park and Luiperdsvallei, may notice water changes more than other areas, the advisory reads. .

However, the suburbs of Eros, Klein Windhoek, Avis, Windhoek CBD, Ludwigsdorf, Dorado Park and Windhoek North may be more susceptible to these sensory changes, he says.

The municipality says the remaining areas will continue to receive the standard mix of NamWater and reclaimed water, with no changes anticipated to their drinking water.

Additionally, the city also encourages residents to practice water conservation and immediately report any leaks or excessive water use.

“This temporary water supply strategy will remain in place until sufficient water inputs replenish NamWater’s surface sources.

“The city will continue to provide updates on the situation and any adjustments to water conservation measures,” the notice reads.