Boy injured after iron gate falls on him

An eight-year-old boy Richard Mbangu, were injured and suffered a broken femur when the iron access gate of the Narraville pump station fell on him.According to his mother, Leana Allen, Richard and his friends were playing in the area in front of the pump station with a Frisbee. “The Frisbee flew over the walls and landed inside the pump station. He went to retrieve the toy by entering through the gate. While he was returning his two friends started closing the gate. It went off its rail and fell on him. He broke one of his legs, and sustained scratches on the back of his head.”His leg has since been operated on at the Windhoek Central Hospital and he is currently recovering at home. "I am unhappy because there were no warning signs prohibiting trespassing and indicating that it is a construction site. The general manager of the municipality told me they can do nothing. I am concerned because I am unclear about the way forward. The plate Richard have in his leg will have to be removed after a year, he needs medication, dressings and a physio. Everything must come from my pocket. I am unemployed and we need help from the municipality."According to Leana the only assistance she received to date came from a certain Lelani who works for the municipality. "After observation, it was decided to rush Ricardo to Windhoek for treatment. I was initially informed that the municipality is unable to help me and later received a N$600 for transportation costs to and from Windhoek. For that I am thankful" Anita Kaihiva, the communications officer of the municipality stated that a third-party claim was submitted to their insurance broker to see who was at fault and if the municipality will be covering the medical costs incurred by the youngster. “The matter is currently under investigation by the legal department/accessors of the insurance company. Feedback is expected within the course of next week.”Prior to the accident there was no signage indicating that the area is a “danger zone”. “The bid for signage for all pump stations is at the procurement evaluation stage and it will be added to the existing access restriction infrastructures to discourage entry to such sites by the public,” said Kahiva.The new Narraville pump station became operational in December 2019 while the replacement of the sewer lines in Pelican Street which is expected to be complete on 31 December 2022, commenced in July last year. Residents in the surrounding area have been complaining about the high noise levels and that the drilling has caused cracked windows and walls.“The installation of the sewer pipelines transporting the sewage to the new pump station is currently ongoing. During public consultations on the project the affected residents were informed to submit their claims of damage and not to wait until the project is completed. Thus far, council received only two claims which were rejected with reasons.”Kahiva explained that council initially intended to refurbish the existing pump station that was built in 1968 and which is over its life cycle. “The cost for refurbishment justifies a new pump station. The new pump station is part of council&#039;s strategic objective to improve service delivery to the residents and to accommodate the population growth in the area."

Boy injured after iron gate falls on him

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Republikein 2026-05-05

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Boy injured after iron gate falls on him

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Republikein 2026-05-05

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