Omaruru residents are accusing the municipality of poor water management and delayed responses to public water leaks despite looming drought concerns.

The say water at public facilities is being wasted while maintenance issues are not addressed timeously.

“The municipality of Omaruru is fast asleep – it’s disgusting. Luna Park’s sprayers have been running non-stop for four days straight. A water leak at the public toilet has been going on for weeks,” one resident says.

The resident also warns that continued water wastage could worsen challenges in times of drought.

“Let me wake you up. We are facing a super El Niño, meaning less rain and high temperatures are coming. Do not come with water restrictions next year. Because yes, you, the municipality, is on a wasting spree,” the resident says.

Omaruru mayor Eberth Gariseb says the municipality is aware of the reported incidents and has attended to them after receiving reports.

“The municipality is aware of the reported water wastage at Luna Park and the leak at the public toilets. Upon receiving the reports, our technical team attended to the matter as soon as possible,” he says.

Gariseb says in some cases delays occur because problems are only reported after they have escalated.

He says routine inspections are carried out while the municipality also relies on public reports to detect water losses.

“To detect and address water losses, the municipality conducts routine inspections of its water infrastructure and responds to reports received from residents and municipal staff,” he says.

The mayor is urging responsible water use amid ongoing concerns about water security.

“The municipality continues to promote responsible water use, monitor consumption, repair leaks, and encourage residents to conserve water wherever possible,” he says.

Gariseb says the municipality has a 24-hour standby system in place to respond to water-related emergencies.

“We encourage residents to make use of the standby number immediately when they observe leaks, burst pipes, or any form of water wastage so that corrective action can be taken without delay.”

He said the municipality remains committed to reducing water losses and improving its maintenance response.

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