New developments threaten Swakopmund’s old infrastructure

New developments in Swakopmund threaten old infrastructure and underground service networks.
Of concern to many home owners and businesses, such as guesthouses, is the toil the new construction activities have on the already out-dated underground sewage and water network in Swakopmund.
New developments in Swakopmund pose a real threat to the sewage and water networks. These developments sometimes include the rezoning of residential areas, resulting in a capacity discrepancy. In this case a building meant to cater for a household is pulled down and multiple story buildings erected with up to a 100% increase in capacity.
Alex Shmitt a guest-house owner in the Strand street area argues that despite objections from neighbours, the council still approved the construction of new developments in the area. A copy of correspondence sent to the namib times showed approval for rezoning in a residential area despite objection in writing from property owners in the area.
An Ordinary Council meeting report dated January 25 this year shows that objections were made with valid concerns about water pressure, citing the drain blockages that have resulted in surface flooding or run-off.
Coupled with this, is the risk of contamination and possible spread of disease as well as the reduced aesthetic value of surrounding properties. These issues adversely affect any business that seeks to maintain a hygienic standard, especially when catering to the tourism industry.
Those who objected to the application for re-zoning also argued that the tranquility of the area would be compromised.
Although the new buildings present a face lift for the city and provide more opportunity for businesses, these buildings are essentially over capacity as the current sewer network is not updated simultaneously.
Consideration of the current problems experienced by this include sewage blockages and low water pressure, which is experienced by the guesthouse and home owners. “The flooding of Strand street happens nearly every week”, mentions Shmitt.
With the previous complaints about sewer blockages this month from other property owners, the council has its hands full with a labyrinth of issues to consider.
There is much speculation too, that the uncontrolled blasting happening in the town is also affecting under-ground pipes and net-works. The claims are yet to be confirmed.
A conflict exists as new businesses and developers need the development for economic growth yet the results at the end of the day show the impact of these actions on existent buildings and underground networks.
Indulge Guesthouse which appeared previously in this paper is one of those negatively affected by these activities.
The adverse effects here are twofold. Businesses in the area may fail to satisfy clients with adequate comfortability for guests and the inconvenience of having to deal with blockages, smells from the waste effluent and compromised water pressure.