Residents of Cimbebasia and other Windhoek suburbs are horrified by the brown water coming from their taps.
They are frustrated by the inconvenience and potential health risks associated with consuming this water.
Fuelling this frustration is a perceived lack of transparency from the City of Windhoek.
Residents say the city is not clear about the cause of the discoloured water.
Resident Carl Sass says Cimbebasia’s water situation is an ongoing problem.
Photos of the brown water have been shared on Cimbebasia’s community WhatsApp group.
“I have a filter system in my house, however, when I have to clean the filter the amount of muddy residue coming from the water is horrible,” Sass says.
He says he has to replace his filter system every three months instead of the usual six months.
City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya yesterday confirmed the issue and referenced a notice the municipality issued on Sunday.
In the notice the municipality says it is currently managing a water shortage through the strategic utilisation of emergency boreholes.
This initiative, implemented in June 2023, supplements the municipal drinking water supply.
“While this action ensures continued access to water, residents in some areas may experience temporary alterations in their tap water’s sensory characteristics, including colour, taste, and odour,” the notice reads.
The notice says the city prioritises public health and safety.
The city also assures residents that the supplied water undergoes rigorous quality checks and remains safe for human consumption.
Certain areas receiving exclusively borehole water, such as Olympia, Suiderhof, Kleine Kuppe, Cimbebasia, Prosperita, Auasblick, Pionierspark, Academia, Rocky Crest, Hochland Park and Luiperdsvallei may notice water changes more than other areas, the notice reads.
The suburbs of Eros, Klein Windhoek, Avis, Windhoek central business district, Ludwigsdorf, Dorado Park, and Windhoek North may, however, be more susceptible to these sensory changes, it says.
The municipality says the remaining areas will continue receiving the standard blend of water from NamWater and reclaimed water, with no anticipated changes in their drinking water.
In addition, the city also encourages residents to practise water conservation and to promptly report any water leaks or excessive usage.
“This temporary water supply strategy will remain in effect until sufficient water inflows replenish NamWater’s surface sources.
The city will continue to provide updates on the situation and any adjustments to water conservation measures,” reads the notice.
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