Stefanus Nashama
Residents of the Goreangab Informal Settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek have expressed concern over the Swapo-led government’s failure to meet the demands of the community.
Expressing disappointment with the government yesterday, the residents informed the Windhoek Observer that they do not see any reason to waste their votes on the ruling party in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The community’s frustration stems from the government’s failure to listen to their demands.
Part of the demands of the residents are the establishment of electricity and water supply as well as the installation of sanitation services.
The issue of electricity and sanitation, according to the residents, has been a burden on the community since 2012, the year many people relocated to Goreangab.
“We have been patient enough. We have also given the government ample time to address this matter but it has failed,” complained the residents.
This was not the first time the residents of the Goreangab informal settlement complained about this. They had previously raised the same issues last year when they also threatened to vote out the sitting government.
According to Petrus Iitope, one of the concerned residents, he will not tolerate the same situation he has been living in since he relocated to Goreangab in 2015.
He also threatened to deal with the current government at the voting booth.
“Our government is honestly failing us on many things. Electricity and sanitation should be priorities to these types of communities,” he reiterated.
He added that the government is too slow to address the matter and deliver on its promises.
Iitope said the Samora Machel Constituency Councillor, Nestor Kalola, is aware of the matters.
“People are suffering here. Life has become expensive and difficult for us. With electricity and better satisfaction, we will appreciate it,” he stated.
Selma David, an upcoming entrepreneur, was another resident who spoke to this publication.
David said she had a dream to grow her business of selling fish, however, she had to revert it due to electricity.
“I have to pay someone far with electricity, to store my fish stock in the fridge,” she said.
This, according to David costs her a lot of money.
“This has become a challenge and impacted my small business negatively. If I had electricity, I could do much to improve it,” she expressed.
Another issue, she raised was an increase of criminals and violence in the community at night.
She said people are no longer safe at night because the darkness has made it easy for criminals to commit crimes.
“Many things have happened in this settlement. Trust me, people are angry and tired. I doubt them to vote the same government,” David anticipated.
She also mentioned that her vote in November would go to someone else from a different party.
Asked about which political party she would vote for, David said her decision would remain a secret.
“All I can tell you is that I will not vote for this government. It has been feeding us empty promises,” she stressed.
Samora Machel Constituency Councillor, Nestor Kalola could not be reached for comments.
However, last year, Kalola told the Windhoek Observer that suggestions regarding the matter were addressed to the City of Windhoek.
At the time, the City of Windhoek was reportedly struggling with its budget to address the matter.
