Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shelleygan Petersen
Published on 2024-04-08 17:00:00
Residents of Mix settlement expressed frustration during a recent Swapo rally where central committee member Tobie Aupindi addressed the community. One resident, who claimed to have lived in the settlement for 24 years, called out the lack of progress and development in the area. Aupindi responded by promising service delivery and improvements for the settlement.
The residents of Mix settlement highlighted several key areas that were lacking in their community, including public toilets, a clinic, schools, a police station, a playground, open market, and a community hall. Aupindi assured the group that national development would take place in their area, with plans for road improvements, a school, traffic lights, water and electricity connections, and a new clinic.
Despite the promises made by Aupindi, one resident voiced their disagreement and became disruptive during the meeting. The resident even resorted to violence by slapping a Swapo branch coordinator when the Khomas governor, Laura McLeod-Katjirua, took the floor to address the community. This incident highlights the growing frustration and anger among Namibians towards the government’s failure to deliver on promises of development and progress.
Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah emphasized that violence is not the solution to addressing these issues, but it is a symptom of the deep-rooted socio-economic challenges faced by many Namibians. He pointed out that political parties, including Swapo, often make empty promises during election campaigns, leading to disillusionment among the population when these promises are not fulfilled.
Residents of Mix settlement have been waiting for basic services, such as water and sanitation facilities, for years. The city of Windhoek provided a timeline for the rollout of communal sanitation units and prepaid water points in informal settlements, including Mix settlement. However, residents have also voiced their need for public transport, which is currently not feasible due to a lack of funding and resources from the central government.
In conclusion, the situation in Mix settlement reflects a larger issue of unmet promises and inadequate service delivery experienced by many communities in Namibia. Political parties need to be more realistic in their promises and communicate effectively with the electorate to build trust and accountability. The residents of Mix settlement, like many others, are demanding meaningful and sustainable development to improve their quality of life. It is essential for the government to listen to the needs of its people and take concrete actions to address their concerns.
Read the original article on The Namibian
