Flooding Costs Top USD 1M in Namibia

[senorpepr]

THE cost of repairing damaged infrastructure as a result of heavy rains and flooding in Windhoek has topped N$7 million (USD 1M).

Mayor Matheus Shikongo announced at this year's first City Council meeting on Wednesday night, that these costs may rise should the capital continue to receive rains until the end of the season in April.

Last week the City estimated damage to its infrastructure as a result of heavy rains and flooding at about N$5.6 million (USD 800K).

Latest assessments indicate that about 30 sites including bridges, road surfaces and stormwater outlets were extensively damaged.

On Wednesday night councillors approved an overspend of N$1 million (USD 143K) to repair the Klein Windhoek main sewer - parts of which were washed away by strong water flow two weeks ago.

Water and sewerage pipes, manholes and the pipe bridge between the Gammams Wastewater Care Works and the new Goreangab Reclamation Plant were destroyed by rivers in full flood.

Since heavy rains began to fall in the capital, at least 10 main water lines lost to floods have had to be replaced.

"Nevertheless we must be thankful for water, a gesture of goodwill from above. We must be careful of complaining and making a lot of noise. We will be punished," said Shikongo when he addressed councillors and City officials.

The Council's resolution said Africon Namibia should be hired as consultants to redesign and supervise the construction of part of the main sewer along the Klein Windhoek River at a cost of N$80 000 (USD 11,400).

A company called Nederlof Construction will be contracted to re-instate the damaged sections of the same sewer system, east of the Mission Road bridge, at a total cost of N$930 000 (USD 133K).

Last week, Mayor Matheus Shikongo appealed to residents to contribute to a disaster fund, saying the City had not budgeted for the extent of the destruction as a result of heavy rainfall.

The fund now stands at N$200 000 (USD 28,600).