Tsumeb municipality Acting Chief Executive Officer Frans Enkali has warned residents against unlawfully blocking stormwater drainage points, as such actions contribute to the increase in flooding incidents currently experienced in the town.

Enkali, in a notice to the residents on Tuesday, said that during the current rainy season, the Council has recorded increased incidents of flooding caused by unlawfully blocked drainage points, adding that such actions endanger lives, damage property, and disrupt communities.

"All residents are urgently instructed to inspect their boundary walls and remove any obstructions immediately. Council officials will conduct inspections following complaints and will take action where violations are found," he said.

All homeowners and property occupants who block, seal, or re-block stormwater drainage holes, weep holes, or natural water flow points in boundary walls are strictly prohibited from doing so and are legally required to ensure that stormwater is allowed to flow freely and is not obstructed in a manner that causes flooding or damage to neighbouring properties, he stressed.

He stated that boundary walls must have functional stormwater drainage openings and that blocking or tampering with these drainage holes constitutes an offence.

"Non-compliance may result in enforcement action, fines, and compulsory remedial work at the owner's cost," Enkali said.