City defends stadium design

THE City of Windhoek has hit back at the findings of an independent engineering firm that the construction of the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura had contributed to the flooding of 14 homes in the adjacent Dolam location in January.

The City’s spokesperson, Ndangi Katoma, told The Namibian last week that two engineers instructed by the Municipality to study the cause of the flood had found that the design of the storm-water structures at the stadium was “done in accordance with acceptable engineering practices”. Katoma said the two reports would be discussed at this month’s Council meeting.He said the City has decided not to comment further on the matter, as it had not yet seen the report by Windhoek Consulting Engineers (WCE).He was reacting to a statement by the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) that a study done by WCE found that serious flaws in the design of the Sam Nujoma Stadium had caused the flooding.The LAC represents the owners of the flooded Dolam houses.On Wednesday, the LAC’s Evelyn Zimba-Naris said the WCE report also vindicated the residents’ concerns that their homes would be flooded again if it rains heavily.She said the LAC would consult the homeowners on Monday to discuss the possibility of suing for damages.She said going to court seemed to be the likely option, as the City had indicated that it intended to expropriate and demolish the homes.The City had offered to buy the houses, but indicated that it would expropriate them if the owners did not accept the prices it offered, she said.Through the LAC, the residents made counter-offers, but the City has not responded to them, she said.Katoma said the two reports would be discussed at this month’s Council meeting.He said the City has decided not to comment further on the matter, as it had not yet seen the report by Windhoek Consulting Engineers (WCE).He was reacting to a statement by the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) that a study done by WCE found that serious flaws in the design of the Sam Nujoma Stadium had caused the flooding.The LAC represents the owners of the flooded Dolam houses.On Wednesday, the LAC’s Evelyn Zimba-Naris said the WCE report also vindicated the residents’ concerns that their homes would be flooded again if it rains heavily.She said the LAC would consult the homeowners on Monday to discuss the possibility of suing for damages.She said going to court seemed to be the likely option, as the City had indicated that it intended to expropriate and demolish the homes.The City had offered to buy the houses, but indicated that it would expropriate them if the owners did not accept the prices it offered, she said.Through the LAC, the residents made counter-offers, but the City has not responded to them, she said.