Huge rock, mattress coils and other solid objects caused a sewer blockage that took more than two months to clear.

A serious sewer blockage in Kuisebmond, near the palm trees, has once again raised concerns about the abuse of Walvis Bay’s municipal sewer system, after workers spent more than two months trying to remove foreign objects lodged inside a sewer pipe.

The blockage occurred between two manholes at the Central Pump Station and required several attempts to resolve.

Municipal workers reportedly had to carry out daily over-pumping operations for more than two months before finally managing to remove a large rock, mattress springs and numerous other unwanted solid objects trapped inside the sewer pipeline.

The incident resulted in a sewer overflow in the Kuisebmond area, prompting renewed calls for residents to stop treating the sewer network as a dumping ground.

In a strongly worded appeal to the community, why anyone would deliberately throw objects such as large rocks and mattress coils into the sewer system, only for residents to later blame the municipality when sewage overflows occur. The employee involved in the operation faced potentially life-threatening conditions while dealing with the blockage.

Residents are urged to act responsibly and refrain from disposing of solid waste, stones, household materials, sanitary products and other foreign objects into toilets and sewer drains.

The community is also encouraged to report incidents of sewer abuse to the relevant authorities.

The incident highlights how irresponsible behaviour can place additional pressure on municipal infrastructure, increase maintenance costs, disrupt essential services and expose workers to dangerous working conditions.

Keeping Walvis Bay’s sewer system functional is a shared responsibility.

By Rudi Bowe