The spokesperson for Namibians who were repatriated from Botswana at the New Gam Settlement, Justice Muinjo, expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements made for them. 

Muinjo says they received a favourable reception from the Namibian government at the Edombe Border Post; however, they are not pleased with the way their belongings were handled, citing that it was not done with care.

Adding to that, Muinjo says the tents they were given were insufficient, as one tent is allocated per family, a situation that has resulted in up to nine people sharing a tent.

The food they are being given, Muinjo says, is not enough and is unacceptable, as they have to eat the same meal every day.

Water is another challenge, as they sometimes go up to four days without it, while the place does not have proper network coverage or electricity in their tents.

Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua says there’s no budgetary provision made for purchasing diesel for the water pump, but discussions are underway with the Agriculture, Water, and Forestry Ministry.

With regards to the lack of tents, the communication with the Botswana government was not clear on the number of returnees.

On the food, Uerikua says they are going to see how well they can attend to their complaints.

98 returnees, excluding children, are currently at the site, with the number expected to grow as more people in Botswana have indicated their willingness to return.