City has failed us - Groot Aub residents
Groot Aub residents are up in arms over the City of Windhoek’s “colossal failure” to turn things around after it took over administration of the settlement.
Some community members have demanded that Groot Aub be restored to settlement status, while others want government to instead hand them over to the //Khomanin traditional authority to be managed as a communal area.
During a heated community meeting on Sunday afternoon, the community members said their living conditions have deteriorated drastically since the City’s involvement, adding that they have been without water for a week.
Resident James Lewis said their land was taken away and they are concerned for the welfare of their children.
“We have elders here and now we must sell our land to get water. We collected water from the gorras [water hole in river]. If there was a benefit from this arrangement, then they [the City of Windhoek] could have taken Groot Aub, but I think it is better to give it to the //Khomanin traditional leadership to manage as communal land,” he said.
Another community member Richard van Wyk alleged that the City has a money-making agenda, hence its decision to take on Groot Aub’s administration “where they can benefit from sand mining”.
Solutions
Headman Jorro Eiseb of the //Khomanin traditional authority said they expected the City to provide solutions to their problems, such as the prolonged need for water, electricity and sanitation.
He added that he met with vice-president Nangolo Mbumba following a petition sent by the community, and was promised that they would get feedback in three weeks.
Mbumba confirmed that he met with someone from the community and that, once he has perused their petition, a meeting will be scheduled.
Meanwhile, City spokesperson Harold Akwenye said they haven't received any official complaints regarding water shortages in Groot Aub.
"Our daily water supply remains consistent, and our on-ground assessment staff haven’t reported such concerns. The City of Windhoek is dedicated to addressing residents' needs and formalising Groot Aub.
“Our commitment to assisting the community is evident in the ongoing efforts to fast-track development. We believe that with the collaboration and support from the local government, we can achieve meaningful progress. If residents are facing challenges, we encourage them to reach out to our dedicated channels, and we will investigate and address the issues promptly,” he said.
“Our aim is to ensure the well-being of all residents, and we remain committed to providing essential services."
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Some community members have demanded that Groot Aub be restored to settlement status, while others want government to instead hand them over to the //Khomanin traditional authority to be managed as a communal area.
During a heated community meeting on Sunday afternoon, the community members said their living conditions have deteriorated drastically since the City’s involvement, adding that they have been without water for a week.
Resident James Lewis said their land was taken away and they are concerned for the welfare of their children.
“We have elders here and now we must sell our land to get water. We collected water from the gorras [water hole in river]. If there was a benefit from this arrangement, then they [the City of Windhoek] could have taken Groot Aub, but I think it is better to give it to the //Khomanin traditional leadership to manage as communal land,” he said.
Another community member Richard van Wyk alleged that the City has a money-making agenda, hence its decision to take on Groot Aub’s administration “where they can benefit from sand mining”.
Solutions
Headman Jorro Eiseb of the //Khomanin traditional authority said they expected the City to provide solutions to their problems, such as the prolonged need for water, electricity and sanitation.
He added that he met with vice-president Nangolo Mbumba following a petition sent by the community, and was promised that they would get feedback in three weeks.
Mbumba confirmed that he met with someone from the community and that, once he has perused their petition, a meeting will be scheduled.
Meanwhile, City spokesperson Harold Akwenye said they haven't received any official complaints regarding water shortages in Groot Aub.
"Our daily water supply remains consistent, and our on-ground assessment staff haven’t reported such concerns. The City of Windhoek is dedicated to addressing residents' needs and formalising Groot Aub.
“Our commitment to assisting the community is evident in the ongoing efforts to fast-track development. We believe that with the collaboration and support from the local government, we can achieve meaningful progress. If residents are facing challenges, we encourage them to reach out to our dedicated channels, and we will investigate and address the issues promptly,” he said.
“Our aim is to ensure the well-being of all residents, and we remain committed to providing essential services."
[email protected]
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