The Walvis Bay Municipality has acknowledged ongoing service delivery challenges following residents’ recent outcry, demanding improved hygiene and public health in the town.
The community highlighted neglect in areas such as waste management, sewage maintenance, and road infrastructure.
Leading the call was the Walvis Bay Youth Forum, which earlier this week urged the local authority to act swiftly in addressing what they termed “deteriorating sanitation and environmental conditions” in several suburbs, especially those affected by poor waste disposal and overflowing sewage systems.
The forum cited the growing risk of disease outbreaks and the indignity residents face due to delayed services.
In response, the municipality, in a statement issued on Friday, confirmed it is aware of residents’ difficulties and is actively implementing short- and long-term interventions to restore services.
“These concerns are not taken lightly. Many issues stem from aging infrastructure, the recent heavy rainfall, population growth, and ongoing illegal dumping,” the statement reads.
To improve waste management, the municipality implemented a revised five-day refuse removal schedule following mechanical breakdowns of several of its trucks.
An external service provider was urgently procured to assist with refuse collection, and five new compactor trucks are expected by the end of July 2025.
The solid waste management team has received increased support, and the Team-Up-2-Clean-Up campaign has been reactivated, conducting weekly clean-ups in illegal dumping hotspots.
Regarding sanitation, the municipality noted it is nearing completion of upgrades to sewer lines in Kuisebmond’s Mars and Sandwich streets.
“Similar works are also being undertaken in Khomashochland and Mautamanene streets. However, misuse of the sewer system by residents continues to strain the aging network,” it stated.
On road maintenance, the authority acknowledged that heavy traffic, especially from trucks linked to the town’s growing industrial and logistics sectors, has worsened road conditions.
“Regular pothole repairs are ongoing, both through municipal teams and contracted service providers, with additional contractors being procured to expand capacity,” the statement added.
The municipality appealed for continued public patience and cooperation.
“Many of these issues, particularly those related to infrastructure and waste management, require long-term investment and coordinated efforts,” the statement concludes.
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