Key Sectoral Risks and impacts identified by the Walvis Bay stakeholders:

Water and Sanitation

• Mean sea level rise submerging and resulting in rusting of bulk water pipe infrastructure in low-lying coastal areas;
• Salt water intrusion resulting in the rusting of retention tanks;
• Coastal flooding and flash floods disrupting energy and the water pump dependent supply networks;
• Increased temperatures are placing an increased demand on water resources.

Transport

• Sea storm surges resulting in erosion to road infrastructure, thereby damaging the connective road between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. A small mean sea level rise has resulted in the coastal road becoming permanently inundated and leading to the development of a new road (~ 10 years ago) between these two coastal towns. This new road is positioned at a higher elevation to reduce the risk of future inundation and erosion in the short term;
• An increased frequency of strong wind events reducing visibility as a result of windblown desert sand is causing delays for all transport types (road, sea, rail and air) was noted;
• Sparse erratic rainfall events leading to road closures as a result of stagnant water on roads, causing slippery salt roads and development of potholes.

Health

• Sea water intrusion into underground aquifers was noted to be impacting upon the quantity, quality and availability of fresh water leading to health and hygiene issues;
• Strong winds associated with an increased frequency of sand storm events is thought to be increasing incidents of primary and secondary health problems within the Walvis Bay Municipality human population. Primary impacts such as an increasing number of reported car accidents (due to reduced visibility from windblown desert sand) and asthma were among the few points that were raised. Secondary impacts such as eye infections, allergies and human discomfort were also discussed;
• Increased differences between nocturnal and diurnal temperatures have reportedly increased influenza casualties;
• Increased temperatures have resulted in heat exhaustion, dehydration and an increase in flies and insects.

Energy

• Mean sea level rise is causing a softening of the soil surrounding poles, resulting in the instability of energy network pylons;
• Flooding events along the Kuiseb river delta have caused damage to energy infrastructure. Overland pylons that support electrical cables, supplying Walvis Bay Municipality with electricity have been knocked over by rushing waters during flash floods and flood events. This has resulted in the disconnection of these high wire distribution networks;
• Increasing frequency and intensity of wind events have caused an increase in the number of power outages due to the accumulation of windblown sand, causing sand piles around the pylons and making contact with the overhanging electrical wires. This causes shorts in the power supply.

Livelihoods

• A rise in mean sea level has caused sea water intrusion into underground aquifers, which affects borehole access to fresh water;
• Flash floods have disrupted fresh water and energy supplies, causing an inability to freeze and/or store fish on ice that meets the export standards, thereby affecting fish exports. As a result, factories have to close for a couple of days at a time affecting the main source of income for a large proportion of Walvis Bay’s human population;
• Increased extreme heat conditions were noted for reducing productivity in the work place, causing dehydration, heat stress and food spoilage, all of which affect quality of life and wellbeing.