Tsumeb’s water woes soon to be a thing of the past

Following two years of having to boil water or buy it in stores, due to bacteria in the town’s water system, Tsumeb residents will soon enjoy fresh water flowing from its taps.



Residents, especially those living in unelectrified areas who can't afford gas, have been forced to boil water by means of firewood or risk drinking contaminated water.



The town also has hard water. This means the water contains a high mineral content.



However, a new water treatment plant aims to address these issues.



This is according to Tsumeb mayor Mathews Hangula.



Over the weekend Hangula told Namibian Sun the plant is nearing completion, after construction began in May.



It will be handed over to council by the contractor later this month, he said.



Two years ago, the presence of Clostridium bacteria was discovered in the town’s water.



The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development worked with the Tsumeb Municipality to address the matter.



“That situation put the community in a difficult predicament because the water was not fit for human consumption and the only way one could drink it was by boiling it,” Hangula added.



“The Tsumeb municipality appointed a company to construct a treatment plant to soften the water... and alleviate the bacteria found in the water.



“We are almost at completion. I was informed that the contractor has assured that by the end of November, they will hand over the facility,” he said.



According to Hangula, they have held community meetings to inform residents that the need to boil water will soon come to an end.



He noted that despite residents having to deal with contaminated water, the council is fortunate that no reports of people falling ill were received.



He applauded residents for adhering to the prescribed measures.



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