Windhoek — The storm water system around the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura is to be upgraded to avoid floods similar to 2006 where households in Dolam were made homeless.

The City of Windhoek said an investigation into the flood of 2006 "confirmed that it could not be ruled out that floods may not recur again, especially in the light of the proposed new developments in the Lafrenz industrial area," said Liz Sibindi, City of Windhoek' Public Relations Officer.

The storm water system became a bone of contention in 2006 and the latter part of 2007 with flood victims saying the serious design flaws at the stadium caused the floods. The heavy rains of early 2006 flooded 14 households in Eva Schumacher Street. Those affected took shelter at the stadium. The victims contacted independent engineers to investigate the case and enlisted the help of the Legal Assistance Centre for legal advice.

However, the City of Windhoek disputed the findings, saying its own findings showed that the storm water drainage at the stadium was designed in accordance with generally acceptable engineering practices.

Sibindi said in order to avoid a possible similar flood situation, the Windhoek City Council approved the capacity upgrade of the storm water system around the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

"The work will entail the enlargement of the inlet structure under Andrew Mogallie Street, and the raising of the roof structure of the culvert," said Sibindi.

The work would commence this week and would last for an unspecified period.

Andrew Mogallie Street, the parking areas of the stadium as well as the practice field at the stadium would be closed off for the duration of the construction.

"Communities in the vicinity are requested to assist the contractor to safeguard the site and ensure that especially children are not allowed into the construction site," said Sibindi.