Bavarian Road sewage problem

CONCERNED CITIZEN OF WINDHOEK WRITES:

I am writing to bring urgent public attention to a severe public health and environmental hazard on Bavarian Road in Windhoek, specifically at coordinates 22°31'18"S 17°04'52"E.

For over a year, what was once a simple road crossing over an outflow ditch has become a stagnant pool of untreated sewage and waste. This is not simply an aesthetic issue; it is a critical infrastructure failure that poses significant risks to our community and environment.

The ditch, which is supposed to connect to the Klein Windhoek River, is no longer flowing. This blockage or lack of proper drainage has resulted in a permanent "dam" of foul-smelling effluent that pedestrians, including those walking to and from work from areas like Katutura and Elisenheim Estate, are forced to walk through daily. Vehicles also have to drive directly through this contaminated water, spreading pollutants.

The stench of sewage, fermented waste, and what appears to be industrial by-products is often horrendous, creating an intolerable environment. More importantly, this accumulation of untreated waste presents extreme health risks, including exposure to dangerous pathogens that can cause serious illnesses. It also represents a grave environmental threat to the Klein Windhoek River and surrounding ecosystems.

This road is a vital link for residential areas and key industries, connecting them to the main city hub and MediClinic hospital. The current situation is unacceptable and undermines public safety and environmental standards.

The road has deteriorated to a completely unacceptable, dangerous state and is long overdue for grading and maintenance. The profound neglect of this roadway has resulted in significant financial hardship for residents, as I personally have been forced to replace two tyres in October alone due to the damaging potholes and uneven surface. This is an urgent request for your immediate attention and action to rectify this situation before further vehicle damage or a serious accident occurs.

I urge the relevant municipal authorities, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, and environmental agencies to investigate this matter with the utmost urgency and implement an immediate, permanent solution to clear this blockage and restore proper drainage. The health and well-being of Windhoek's citizens and our natural environment depend on swift action.

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