Maria David
RESIDENTS of the Okandjengedi informal settlement in Oshakati were irate when a pipeline burst early on Monday, leaving them without running water for almost two days.
The burst pipe has left hundreds of residents without water. Some residents have now resorted to measures such as drawing water from the pipeline, a risky undertaking.
JB Vilho said on Tuesday that staying without water for a couple of hours is understandable. However, he said when the situation does not get solved, they are forced to buy water from those with running taps. “Living without water really sucks. No water, no cooking food,” he said.
He added that on Monday, they had to go buy water from shops just for them to drink and to wash their face Tuesday morning.
Another resident, Tuyoleni Philip, indicated that they expected at least a communication from the Oshakati Town Council regarding the current situation on the ground. However, they are still in the dark. “Water is life. Where will we get water for our households?” questioned Philip.
She said that the council was supposed to always have a backup plan so that residents don’t suffer.
Approached for comment, Oshakati Town spokesperson Katarina Kamari indicated that they are having a water crisis in Oshakati, particularly in the area of Okandjengedi, where the water meter was bumped by a truck, causing a water pipeline to burst. “The water pipeline is the NAMWATER bulk water supply pipeline that runs through to Ondangwa. Various areas are affected as a result,” she said.
However, Kamari indicated that colleagues from both Namwater and Oshakati Town Council are working on fixing the waterline to ensure that water is restored.
