Kuvukiland water pipeline vandalised

Max Henrich

ONGWEDIVA – The Municipality of Tsumeb has raised concern over the repeated cutting of the main water supply pipeline in Kuvukiland, warning that the damage is disrupting reliable access to water for residents.

According to the town’s spokesperson Stella Imalwa, the pipeline has been repeatedly cut, particularly at night, by individuals allegedly seeking to obtain water through unauthorised means.

“Every time the pipeline is damaged, water is lost and public standpipes are affected. Residents can consequently be left without reliable access to water while municipal teams carry out repairs,” she said.

Imalwa said that the problem should not be viewed as a municipal issue alone, as the damage directly affects the community that depends on the infrastructure for its water supply.

She further appealed to residents of Kuvukiland to help protect the water infrastructure serving the informal settlement by reporting suspicious activities and instances of vandalism.

“Residents who see anyone cutting, damaging or tampering with the pipeline, or making an unauthorised connection, have been urged to report the matter to the relevant authorities,” she said.

She stated that the information provided by residents could help prevent water interruptions before they occur and reduce the impact of damage to the water supply system.

Imalwa maintained that the repeated damage also places additional pressure on municipal resources, as repairs have to be undertaken whenever sections of the pipeline are compromised.

“Protecting the pipeline is a shared responsibility and residents must remain vigilant, particularly because the reported incidents occur mainly at night,” she said.

The municipality’s appeal comes as access to a dependable water supply remains essential for households in the settlement. Any interruption can affect residents who rely on public standpipes for their daily water needs.

Imalwa was therefore encouraged to report suspected vandalism promptly rather than waiting for a disruption to occur. Early reporting could enable the municipality to respond before damage escalates and water services are interrupted.

–maxhenrich35@gmail.com

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