River barrier being looted
Sold for scrap metal
It is alleged that parts of the Swakop River weir is being plundered, and the pieces are allegedly being sold as scrap metal.
The approximately 100-metre-long weir in the Swakop River, situated near the coastal town, is being dug out and broken into pieces, and being sold as scrap metal.
About a week ago, the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch was informed about men digging along the metal weir and breaking off parts of the wall.
A weir is a low-lying metal or concrete barrier built across the width of a river that alters the flow of water and usually results in a change in the height of the river level.
The weir is situated on the river near the old water reservoir, just east of the Kramersdorf suburb.
No value
Using spades, hammers, cutters and chisels, the men were digging more than a metre deep along the weir, which is said to be at least three metres deep beneath the river sand. They were allegedly breaking it up piece by piece. It is claimed the pieces are being sold as scrap metal.
The men claimed they didn't consider their actions as wrong, as the weir does not appear to serve a clear purpose.
The men were given a warning and told their actions were illegal. But it is alleged that the excavations of parts of the weir continue.
The weir is situated inside the Dorob National Park and only certain activities are allowed within the area.
The environment ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, did not provide a response despite repeated requests for comment.
Swakopmund chief executive officer, Alfeus Benjamin, told Namibia Media Holdings that he was not aware of the plundering. He confirmed the municipality would investigate.
It is unclear how old the weir it, but over the years, and with the large amounts of sediments washed down by the river, it has become deeply buried in sand.
About a week ago, the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch was informed about men digging along the metal weir and breaking off parts of the wall.
A weir is a low-lying metal or concrete barrier built across the width of a river that alters the flow of water and usually results in a change in the height of the river level.
The weir is situated on the river near the old water reservoir, just east of the Kramersdorf suburb.
No value
Using spades, hammers, cutters and chisels, the men were digging more than a metre deep along the weir, which is said to be at least three metres deep beneath the river sand. They were allegedly breaking it up piece by piece. It is claimed the pieces are being sold as scrap metal.
The men claimed they didn't consider their actions as wrong, as the weir does not appear to serve a clear purpose.
The men were given a warning and told their actions were illegal. But it is alleged that the excavations of parts of the weir continue.
The weir is situated inside the Dorob National Park and only certain activities are allowed within the area.
The environment ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, did not provide a response despite repeated requests for comment.
Swakopmund chief executive officer, Alfeus Benjamin, told Namibia Media Holdings that he was not aware of the plundering. He confirmed the municipality would investigate.
It is unclear how old the weir it, but over the years, and with the large amounts of sediments washed down by the river, it has become deeply buried in sand.
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