Greenwell residents oppose service station

NAMPA

WINDHOEK

Residents of Greenwell Matongo in Windhoek are up in arms over the construction of a fuel station in the residential area as they fear it poses a safety hazard.

They have expressed fears that should a fire break out at the fuel station, situated in Eveline Street, the fire would rapidly spread to the nearby houses and corrugated iron shacks.

The residents also wanted to know how the City of Windhoek allowed the rezoning of two residential plots into a business plot.

Some acknowledged that they were aware that the plot was to be rezoned for business purposes as the public notices were erected by the municipality, but that they were not aware that it would ultimately be used for the construction of a fuel station.

Although some residents are happy with the prospects of jobs and development, some were opposed to the project, particularly for safety reasons.

In an interview with Nampa, concerned resident Jackson Nguvauva, who lives two houses from the construction site, said it was unfair that the City allowed such a business to be opened near houses, despite various objections registered in 2020.

“They did not even consult us before putting up such a business, which is very dangerous right in the middle of our houses and in a very limited space,” he fumed, summing up the feeling shared by many in the area.

He said residents also alerted former Samora Machel Constituency councillor Fanuel Shivute of their grievances.

Objections

Approached for comment, Shivute said he objected to the construction too, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

He went as far as approaching former Windhoek mayor Fransina Kahungu to register his concern.

“I was informed of the fuel station when the land was just cleared. In my then capacity as a councillor, I too did not see it fit for such a business to be developed in the area, hence I informed the mayor,” the former Swapo councillor recalled.

Incumbent councillor Nestor Kalola agreed with his predecessor, saying in the event of a fire the City would have to be held accountable.

Approached for comment, City public relations officer Harold Akwenye said the business is situated on two residential plots that were rezoned, which he said is common practice.

He also rubbished allegations of corruption, saying everything was being done above board and all the necessary planning permissions were applied for before the construction was given the green light.

He also rubbished accusations that the residents were never consulted, saying public notices were placed in local newspapers and on notice boards erected in the area.

Approvals

The approvals included an environmental clearance certificate issued by the environmental commissioner, he added.

This certificate, according to Akwenye, lists all safety measures the owner of the fuel station should adhere to.

The service station is owned by Liongate Investment, whose general manager Isack Mukete said the construction was approved by the city council after meeting all the prescribed processes, which included public participation, noting that no objections were submitted by the community.

“The service station proposal was submitted based on the need and desirability of a service station, including the development trajectory and prospects that Eveline Street was declared a business development corridor,” he said.

Mukete further indicated that all equipment was being installed according to international standards ensuring safety for people and the environment.