CoW takes aim at Groot Aub
Residents caught with illegal water connections will receive a notice to remove it within seven days or face legal consequences.
The City of Windhoek (CoW) has begun cracking down on illegal water connections and land grabs in Groot Aub due to the severe water shortages facing the settlement.The chairperson of the advisory committee for the formalisation of informal settlements and the integration of Groot Aub, LPM councillor Ivan Skrywer, outlined urgent measures to address these challenges during a recent briefing with strategic managers and senior officials.
The Windhoek City Police in collaboration with the Department of Bulk Water have been inspecting the water network in Groot Aub since 14 February.
Residents caught with illegal water connections will receive a notice to remove it within seven days or face legal consequences.
“We have a serious problem where illegal water connections are contributing to low water pressure,” Skrywer recently told Network Media Hub (NMH). “CoW cannot allow individuals to manipulate the system at the expense of law-abiding residents.”
Skrywer said the measures are backed by existing council resolutions, ensuring that enforcement of the measures will be swift and effective.
Land grabbing
Another pressing issue raised by the committee is land grabbing and the illegal fencing of large tracts of land for commercial farming.
According to Skrywer, these activities that are often carried out by individuals with political connections, are allegedly placing a burden on Groot Aub’s erven supply, which was initially earmarked for residential use.
“Some elites think they are untouchable. They fence off large tracts of land, bring in farm workers, and use excessive amounts of water for commercial farming while living comfortably in upscale neighbourhoods in Windhoek. Meanwhile, our residents are denied the right to even extend their homes or build proper toilets,” Skrywer said.
He further highlighted the apparent double standards in enforcing the measures. “We cannot harass ordinary people in the name of the law while turning a blind eye to those with political connections,” he added.
Large-scale farming
Skrywer said the increased pressure on water supply was particularly evident during December when demand increased. “Although the CoW pumped enough water for residents, excessive consumption by large-scale farming operations caused shortages,” Skrywer noted. “Some of these individuals are even selling water illegally.”
CoW has pledged to take legal action against land grabbers and ensure that all water users adhere to the set regulations.
Skrywer promised to personally monitor these efforts. “We will not allow ministers and their cronies to interfere every time someone is held accountable,” he said. “The law must be applied fairly to everyone.”
As inspections begin, CoW urges residents to report any illegal activities affecting their water supply. This ensures that the City Police will continue to monitor water usage and land disputes to ensure equitable access to essential services for all Groot Aub residents. - [email protected]