Walvis Bay: NamWater has strongly condemned acts of vandalism and infrastructure theft after the Ruby Main Overhead Powerline, which supplies electricity to the Swartbank and Rooibank boreholes, was vandalized and infrastructure stolen on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred at approximately 23h00, led to an immediate loss of 650m³/hr of water supply to Walvis Bay.

According to Namibia Press Agency, NamWater issued a public notice on Sunday, emphasizing that such acts compromise essential services and undermine national progress and development. The water utility highlighted that these incidents divert resources and delay service delivery to communities that rely on uninterrupted access to water.

Temporary balancing of the water supply was maintained through the High Dune and Dorop South boreholes, which provided a reduced flow of 200 m³/hr. This powerline plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to the Swartbank and Rooibank boreholes, key infrastructure responsible for providing water to the Walvis Bay area.

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) and the Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (RED) responded swiftly to the incident. However, the perpetrators managed to flee the scene. Erongo RED immediately commenced repair work, and power was successfully restored by 17h00 on Sunday. Subsequently, water supply resumed, and normal operations have since been restored. NamWater appeals to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near water infrastructure.