Residents of Okapale in Windhoek's Goreangab informal settlement have been pleading for a taxi and bus rank for more than ten years now.

The residents say they are forced to walk a long distance to the nearest bus and taxi rank to get to school or work, this situation could easily expose them to potential criminal incidents and the vagaries of unfavourable weather conditions on occasion.

A meeting held in 2021 involving the councillor, NABTA, and the City of Windhoek instilled hope among the residents.

However, to date, no tangible actions have been taken.

Samora Machel Constituency community leader Sikiel Anyala said, "My fellow brethren wake up while it's dark to go to work, however, the next bus stop is at Sianda, which is a long walk. Their phones and other items are grabbed most of the time by the thieves, and some are even beaten. There is a reason why we need a nearby bus stop."

Water, pole lights, and a school are among other concerns raised by the community.

"We want our children to have a nearby school, the children go to school when it's dark, especially during the winter time. They really walk long distances to go to nearby schools. If you look at the kilometres from as far as the mountains there at the back, it's about 8 km to get where we are now. We are pleading with the municipality to assist us," said a community member of Samora Machel Fabianus Redemtus.

Lydia Amutenya, the Public Relations Officer of the City of Windhoek, affirms that the municipality is cognizant of the community's request.

However, it was explained to the residents that there are taxi stops in the area that can be used to drop off commuters.

Amutenya further says that Windhoek Municipal Council approved at the last council meeting the reservation of a site on farm 508 for government purposes for the construction of a health centre, a primary and secondary school, and a police station in the area.