Staff Reporter
BUSINESS owners in Swakopmund are losing customers rapidly and have to endure disgustingly smelly health hazards produced by sewage flowing at least 120 metres down McHugh Street in the industrial area.
On Saturday, the ten-year-old problem surfaced again, making it the third time in a week.
In the past, sewage spilled over once a month but since the beginning of 2021, it has been happening at least three times a month, business owners said.
Attempts to get the municipality to solve the problem have been futile, they say, with relevant officials not turning up for meetings or not providing satisfactory answers.
Municipal trucks are usually sent to suck up the river of sewage in what some say should be renamed “McPoo Street” but this is a temporary solution.
The problem is reportedly caused by overgrowth on the main water pipe that should be removed regularly but is not and neither is the nearby sump between Metro and Rössing House properly maintained.
“This is terribly frustrating, disgusting and an extreme health hazard,” Albie Nel of Car Care Centre said.
“Customers drive through the sewage into the yard and they are not happy. Despite the terrible smell, we very often have to remove and work on tyres and you can imagine what a horrible mess that is.”
The management of Metro Cash & Carry said the issue is disastrous for business and they are losing customers because they refuse to visit the store due to the mess and stench.
While at Metro, an elderly couple visiting from Mariental told Informanté they “thought it was just water” but when they got out of the car they realized what it was.
Especially the man was visibly disgusted, saying: “This is terrible. I cannot believe this is Swakop.”
