Development Causes Floods In Towns

THE developments that are taking place in the northern towns of Oshakati and Oshikango in particular have contributed immensely to the deteriorating flood situation within these confined areas.

I’m not against the development that’s taking place in these two towns, but the point is that they have destroyed the pans (oshanas) that usually hold floodwater without planning a single reservoir for that matter and this caused a serious threat to this running water. The construction of shopping complexes and offices in the areas such as Pupkewitz Toyota, Game complex, Distell building and Namibia Breweries on the left hand side along the main road to Okatana as well as the whole area of Cashbuild, Metro building, Etango complex, Cash and Carry building on the other side are former oshanas that hold water.Oyetu complex, Bank of Namibia, Social Security offices are clearly developed in oshanas and dams respectively.Another good example of developmental project contributed to the flooding situation in Oshikango area is the destruction of the pan between Oshikango combined school and Oshikango lodge as well as the pan opposite the open market [Okatwitwi].To worsen the situation the Chinese went to the extent of destroying dams that were supposed to hold water.Truly speaking the covering of these pans with sand, water will be just all over the area and even to penetrate into our residences.Something that could be avoided in first place.The volume of water is high, now causing cracks on some bridges and destruction of roads, due to the fact that rivers have become very narrow.The valley carrying capacity is also out of hand.Planning of reservoirs by developers is highly necessary.I am not disputing the fact that this year there’s a high volume of water but I want people not to block water channels as is the case now, when developing their areas, to avoid unnecessary flooding of our towns.Angeles C Nangolo OhangwenaThe construction of shopping complexes and offices in the areas such as Pupkewitz Toyota, Game complex, Distell building and Namibia Breweries on the left hand side along the main road to Okatana as well as the whole area of Cashbuild, Metro building, Etango complex, Cash and Carry building on the other side are former oshanas that hold water.Oyetu complex, Bank of Namibia, Social Security offices are clearly developed in oshanas and dams respectively.Another good example of developmental project contributed to the flooding situation in Oshikango area is the destruction of the pan between Oshikango combined school and Oshikango lodge as well as the pan opposite the open market [Okatwitwi].To worsen the situation the Chinese went to the extent of destroying dams that were supposed to hold water.Truly speaking the covering of these pans with sand, water will be just all over the area and even to penetrate into our residences.Something that could be avoided in first place.The volume of water is high, now causing cracks on some bridges and destruction of roads, due to the fact that rivers have become very narrow.The valley carrying capacity is also out of hand.Planning of reservoirs by developers is highly necessary.I am not disputing the fact that this year there’s a high volume of water but I want people not to block water channels as is the case now, when developing their areas, to avoid unnecessary flooding of our towns.Angeles C Nangolo Ohangwena