City of Windhoek Engages Groot Aub Residents on Services and Water Challenges. The City of Windhoek conducted a public outreach visit to Groot Aub today, bringing together various departments to raise awareness and share information on municipal services, development programmes, and community support initiatives.
Residents gathered at the City’s information stand to engage directly with officials, ask questions, and gain insight into services including solid waste management, the Farm Okukuna project, City Police operations, and social upliftment programmes. The sessions also covered general dos and don’ts to encourage responsible community behaviour.
During the visit, residents voiced concerns about noise pollution, sewage issues, bars operating beyond regulated hours, and the process of acquiring erven. However, the most pressing issue raised was the shortage of water in the area.
Jacobus Jacobs, Section Engineer for Infrastructure Planning and Development, explained that the root of the water problem lies in illegal water connections and a significant population increase. The Groot Aub water system was initially designed to serve around 5,000 residents, but the current population has grown to an estimated 15,000. This surge has placed severe strain on the infrastructure, resulting in low water pressure—particularly in lower-lying parts of the settlement.
Jacobs confirmed that the City is actively working on redesigning the water supply system. The upgrade includes replacing the current pipes with new 300mm diameter pipelines, capable of handling higher water pressure and ensuring better distribution across the area.