Vital NamWater infrastructure in firing line - Reginald Hercules

A resident of Lüderitz has raised his concern about intended blasting and construction activity which he says will occur near and could possibly damage vital NamWater infrastructure supplying the precious commodity to the harbour town.

“Serious concerns have arisen regarding contemplated blasting activities and infrastructure works reportedly scheduled to commence near Portion 119 of Farm Lüderitz Town and Townlands No. 11, adjacent to Lüderitz’s bulk water reservoir and main water supply infrastructure on 20 May. The infrastructure concerned is essential public infrastructure that supplies water to Lüderitz,” Reginald Hercules, a concerned resident of the harbour town, said.

Hercules submitted a formal objection to the planned blasting activity in a letter addressed to the minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, and the acting CEO of the Lüderitz Town Council, Otto Shipanga, on 13 May 2026.

“I have not received anything in writing from Mr Hercules, and I am aware that we (LTC and I) are being mentioned in carbon copies of a letter circulating. All due processes were followed. We consulted extensively with the //Kharas Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Marius Katamila, and have the required licences,” Shipanga said. 

“I do not have time for back-and-forth stories. I am in the process of drafting an application in the normal course of court proceedings. Shipanga will have to answer in court. There will be consequences whether blasting takes place or not,” Hercules responded.      

Hercules said that he also lodged a formal complaint with the Namibian Police, requesting urgent investigation into the legality and authorisation of the contemplated activities before any blasting or infrastructure works proceed.

“I am gravely concerned that the proposed blasting poses a risk to Lüderitz's only water supply reservoir and bulk water pipeline. Any damage to the reservoir or bulk supply system could have severe consequences for the town and its residents,” he stated.

Hercules demanded copies of the certified council resolution that authorised Shipanga to grant what he viewed as “conditional approval granted” for the blasting activities in a letter dated 24 October 2025. 

In the letter (seen by this publication), Shipnaga informs Uliani Marthinussen of Bigen Kuumba that his office had reviewed the request for blasting "but on condition that your good institution needs to exercise or execute alternative blasting methods considering the proximity of NamWater infrastructures. Secondly, you will be required to consult with local personnel of NamWater and Lüderitz Town Council (LTC) prior to any blasting activities and, similarly, to formally commit to indemnify LTC against any liability or damage claims associated with the blasting activities.” Shipanga also indicated that his office was still waiting for the written findings and recommendations of the Road Authority.     

Hercules also requested copies of the environmental clearance certificate issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism for the proposed blasting activity, the blasting permit issued by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, written consent from NamWater authorising interference with NamWater infrastructure, the environmental management plan and contingency plan (including emergency water supply measures) and the indemnity agreement signed and approved by council.  

Hercules demanded to be handed copies of these documents within 48 hours after he delivered his letter. “Should you fail to produce these documents, I will proceed on the basis that no lawful authority exists and will take all necessary steps, including laying criminal charges and seeking urgent interdict in the High Court of Namibia," he wrote.  

Hercules said that he raised his concern in good faith and in the public interest. “The purpose is not to obstruct lawful development or infrastructure works, but to ensure lawful governance, compliance with statutory requirements, transparency in public administration and protection of essential public infrastructure.”

In an unrelated development, NamWater announced a planned water interruption to conduct the partial replacement of the main water supply line to High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe standards. Taps in the harbour town ran dry at 06:00 on 17 May, and residents had no access to running water for approximately 37 hours. Water supply was eventually restored at around 19:00 on 18 May.