Allexer Namundjembo
Outapi mayor Victorina Neingo says stalled stormwater projects are holding the town back as drainage problems resurface with each rainy season.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday after heavy weekend rains, Neingo said the town has an approved stormwater master plan but lacks funds to implement it.
“The Outapi Town Council has an approved stormwater master plan in place to systematically address stormwater drainage challenges within the town. However, implementation of the identified projects remains constrained due to budgetary limitations,” Neingo said.
The recent rainfall led to temporary water accumulation in low-lying areas. Some buildings became difficult to access. Residents say the situation repeats itself almost every rainy season.
Neingo said the council had budgeted for a major drainage intervention this financial year.
“During the 2025/2026 financial year, Council had budgeted for the construction of a stormwater channel as part of its capital development programme, with an estimated project cost of approximately N$7.5 million,” she said.
“Unfortunately, due to reductions in the council’s development budget and the absence of allocated funds for capital projects, implementation is currently on hold.”
She said she approached central government for help.
“In December 2025, I consulted the relevant line ministry and formally requested financial support to enable the council to proceed with the project. Council is currently awaiting feedback in this regard,” she said.
The council is also looking at road upgrades that could improve drainage.
“Council intends to upgrade the Outapi–Ruacana Road and the Outapi–Tsandi Road in partnership with the Roads Authority and the Road Fund Administration,” Neingo said.
“As part of these planned upgrades, comprehensive stormwater designs will be incorporated to increase the capacity of stormwater infrastructure within the Central Business District and improve overall drainage resilience.”
She said the council remains focused on finding a solution.
“Council remains committed to addressing stormwater management challenges and continues to engage relevant stakeholders to secure the necessary funding for the implementation of these critical infrastructure projects,” she said.
Local vendor Simon Shoombe said businesses suffer whenever it rains.
“If they are planning to build the stormwater infrastructure, it will solve the problem. Most shops and some offices used to be blocked by water. Water use will remain there for days, which is not good,” he said in a phone interview on Tuesday.
Outapi lies in the Cuvelai Basin, a flat drainage area made up of shallow channels known as oshanas. During heavy rainfall, these channels overflow or hold surface water for days.
Flash floods in February 2025 cut off some homes and blocked roads before water levels subsided. Similar incidents have occurred in previous rainy seasons. Town officials and residents say the existing drainage network cannot cope with growing urban development and increased runoff.
