Staff Reporter
THE Hydrological Services of Namibia has stressed the urgent need to repair the Gammams Bridge in Windhoek to prevent further structural deterioration and to safeguard the safety of all road users, especially as heavy rains continue in the capital.
This is just one of the key recommendations from the Hydrological Services of Namibia following an assessment of the impact of recent rainfall on major water crossing points throughout Windhoek. The assessment, conducted by Fillemon Shatipamba, Samuel Kangootui, and Delovan Pilemoni, identified several challenges that limit the city’s ability to manage flooding risks, protect infrastructure, and ensure public safety.
“The hydrology team conducted a comprehensive site visit on 13 February to assess the impact of the rainfall on several key water crossing points throughout Windhoek. The primary objectives of this assessment were to evaluate stream flows, inspect the condition of gauge plates, and identify any potential hazards to road users posed by the heavy rainfall,” the Hydrological Services explained.
One of the areas inspected was the Gammams Bridge, where the team observed high water flows at the Arebbusch River, with the bridge’s side rails swept into the river.
“Debris on the road surface indicated that water had flowed over the road, reaching an estimated height of 0.5 metres. The bridge exhibited visible cracks, posing a significant safety risk. No gauge plates were present,” the team added.
With regard to the Arebbusch River in Hochland Park’s Pelican Street, the team reported that it was actively flowing at 11:22 on 13 February, meaning pedestrians were unable to cross safely due to the flow. The hydrology teams also raised concerns about the absence of gauge plates, emphasising that this further compounds safety concerns.
They also assessed the condition at a number of other streams and rivers, including the Gammams River as well as rivers and streams along Nelson Mandela Avenue, among others.
With regard to the Gammams River near the Suiderhof Minimarket, the hydrology team reported that they observed heavy water flows, with the stream actively flowing. However, they added that no gauge plates were present, which made it difficult to measure exact water levels.
Along Nelson Mandela Avenue, the team found that one stream had mild flow conditions, with properly installed and functioning gauge plates. However, near the United States Embassy, they revealed that the Klein Windhoek River showed high flows, but with no gauge plates in place, raising additional concerns about monitoring and safety.
The hydrology team also examined the Klein Windhoek River near Multichoice, where they observed high flow conditions. Without gauge plates, they added, it was difficult to monitor the water levels accurately, which raised concerns about safety and proper tracking of water flow.
The team further reported that the stream in Dorado Valley’s Mensser Street also showed signs of high water flows from earlier this week, highlighting the potential for flooding in the area. The team also assessed the stream at the Monrovia Bridge on Golf Street, revealing that high flood marks, estimated at 1.6 metres, were evident from flood debris.
“The gauge plate reading at 11:08 AM (on 13 February) was recorded at 0.48 metres. A slow flow was observed, along with standing pool water at the silted-up Monrovia station, indicating the need for maintenance,” the hydrology team reported with regard to the stream at the Monrovia Bridge.
Based on these findings, the hydrology team highlighted several issues that impede the city’s ability to manage flooding risks, protect infrastructure, and ensure public safety, such as the structural condition of infrastructure and the status of monitoring equipment.
The team recommended installing gauge plates at critical stream crossings, particularly in Suiderhof and Hochland Park, to ensure accurate water level monitoring and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
They also called for immediate maintenance at the Monrovia Station to clear silt buildup and ensure reliable gauge plate readings. Furthermore, the repair of the Gammams Bridge was urged to address structural damage, as well as regular inspections and continuous monitoring of all major water crossing points to detect hazards early and implement timely interventions.
“Timely action on these recommendations, coupled with continuous monitoring, is essential to mitigate flooding risks, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure public safety in Windhoek,” the Hydrological Services stressed.
