Residents of Karibib, a town in the Erongo region of Namibia, are facing a severe mosquito infestation that has disrupted their daily lives. The infestation, which has worsened over the past five months, is attributed to leaking sewage pipes and sewage ponds that have become breeding sites for the mosquitoes. According to resident Erastus Ndeunyema, the situation is particularly bad from around 17h00 daily, making it difficult for residents to carry out their normal activities.
The mosquito infestation has become a significant nuisance for Karibib residents, with Ndeunyema describing the situation as disturbing. He says that residents are forced to keep their homes closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering, and that it is difficult to wear short-sleeved clothing or shorts without being bitten. The situation has become so bad that residents are calling for urgent intervention from the authorities.
The Karibib Town Council has acknowledged the complaints and is working with health authorities to address the problem. In a public notice, the council stated that it is treating the complaints as urgent and has started putting measures in place to address the situation. Chief executive Tangeni Enkono assured residents that the council is taking the matter seriously and is implementing necessary measures to address the infestation.
According to a Karibib Town Council official, this is the first year that the town has experienced such a noticeable increase in mosquitoes. The official stated that the council started investigating the cause of the increase after receiving complaints from residents. So far, there have been no reports of malaria cases in the area, which is considered a malaria-free zone.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has identified leaking sewage pipes and sewage ponds as possible mosquito breeding sites in Karibib. Health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya stated that officials from the council and environmental health practitioners investigated the situation and found several sewage ponds around Karibib caused by leaking sewage pipes. These ponds are believed to be breeding sites for the mosquitoes.
The council has agreed to remove sewage from the ponds and repair the leaking pipes, and has also requested assistance from the health ministry with mosquito prevention and control measures. The ministry has advised the council on suitable chemicals for use, and Navachab Gold Mine has offered to provide funding assistance. Environmental health officials are also consulting with regional authorities and other health districts to determine suitable measures for Karibib.
A final report on the investigation is expected to be compiled, and the council and health ministry are working together to implement measures to control the mosquito infestation. The situation remains a priority for the authorities, who are working to address the issue as a matter of urgency. Residents are hopeful that the measures will be effective in reducing the mosquito population and alleviating the nuisance.
Key points
- The Karibib Town Council is working with health authorities to address the mosquito infestation.
- Leaking sewage pipes and sewage ponds have been identified as possible mosquito breeding sites.
- The Ministry of Health and Social Services is providing assistance with mosquito prevention and control measures.
