Staff Reporter
NAMWATER has warned that the increasing vandalism of water infrastructure along the Okakarara–Elandspan pipeline is disrupting water supplies to communities and farmers, wasting a scarce resource and placing additional financial pressure on the corporation.
The Namibia Water Corporation said recent incidents included pipes being cut with pangas and air valves being tampered with, including the insertion of sticks to release water illegally. The affected sections include Branch Line 2 between Okamutenja and Omuramboviruru, Branch Line 3 between Omungondonguvi and Otjitaazu, and Branch Line 6 between Otjengondo and Ourundu. Other incidents have also been recorded at Okauha, which receives water from Coblenz.
NamWater warned that damage to pipelines can leave households, farmers and livestock without reliable water supplies. Even after repairs have been completed, pipelines may take several days to refill and for water pressure to recover sufficiently to restore normal supply to downstream customers.
Video: NamWater
The corporation said vandalism also results in water losses and diverts personnel, equipment and money from planned maintenance and infrastructure development. Interruptions can further affect hygiene, sanitation and other activities that depend on a reliable water supply.
NamWater reminded the public that vandalising water infrastructure is a criminal offence under Section 127(1)(e) of the Water Resources Management Act, 2013 (Act No. 11 of 2013), which prohibits the unlawful damage, destruction of, tampering with or interference with waterworks, whether intentionally or negligently.
The corporation said incidents of vandalism and suspected unlawful interference would be reported to the Namibian Police for investigation and appropriate legal action. It also urged people experiencing water-access difficulties to use the proper channels rather than tampering with infrastructure, as this could disrupt supplies to other customers.
Farmers, community members, traditional leaders, farmers’ unions and other stakeholders have been urged to help protect the infrastructure by refraining from damaging pipelines and valves and promptly reporting leaks, damaged pipes or suspected vandalism to NamWater’s Okakarara or Otjiwarongo offices.
The corporation called on the public to provide the location and any available details when reporting incidents to help teams respond quickly, stressing that protecting water infrastructure is a shared responsibility essential to safeguarding communities, livestock and Namibia’s water security.
