A three-year-old girl, Monica Klaaste, drowned in a water-filled trench at the Keetmanshoop |Gereres informal settlement.

According to the police, Monica was playing when she fell into the wastewater-filled trench located near the residential area.

She was rushed to the local hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Construction workers contracted by the Keetmanshoop Municipality are currently carrying out sewage and water bulk services in the informal settlement.

Monica’s mother told nbc News that the tragic incident occurred while she was busy with household chores.

“I will never get her back. She was the sunshine and joy of my life. Who can I blame? She was just a child who went out to find a place to play. Now, every morning, I no longer hear her laughter or see her smile. I will never get her back,” she said.