The mayor of Windhoek recently paid a courtesy visit to assess areas impacted by recent flash floods in Otjomuise.
The visit included a review of conditions at the relocation site on Farm 508, highlighting efforts to address the challenges faced by affected residents.
Over 200 households affected by the recent flash flooding have relocated to Farm 508, established by the City of Windhoek.
However, some families have resisted relocating due to a lack of essential infrastructure, such as health services, education, and safety facilities.
The house structures built in the riverbed have been cleared, as many households evacuated the area to find shelter and safety at the relocation site.
Speaking to nbc News, the mayor of Windhoek, Ndeshihafela Larandja, noted that affected residents are facing challenges at the relocation site, particularly school-going children who are no longer able to attend school due to the distance.
"For the learners, temporary solutions can be sought,” she stated. “Various stakeholders, like the Ministry of Education and the Khomas Regional Council, have already earmarked places for the construction of schools. That is the permanent solution, but the temporary solution is to liaise with school principals for the absorption of these learners. However, my concern is the students; you cannot get a temporary solution in terms of temporary infrastructure. The solutions will be access to transport and safety. They need guarantees for safety and transport."
Larandja further stated that the growing support network of various stakeholders is working tirelessly to provide essential infrastructure for the affected community, including a prefab police station, a clinic, and the construction of primary and secondary schools.
According to Metusalem Ashipala, the Acting Manager of Human Settlement, the flood-affected households lived in a dangerous area, making their relocation to Farm 508 crucial and time-sensitive.
Thus far, 135 houses still need to be relocated, as this area is a riverbed with drainage systems designed to allow the smooth flow of water.
A resident, Stanley Kaangunwe, who recently relocated to Farm 508, shared his sentiments:
"Another challenge we have is the schools. We don’t have a school here; the nearest school is very far away. The closest one is Olof, which is about 5 kilometers away, and another is Havana Primary School, which is also far from here. We just want the Ministry of Education to provide us with a school, as we are having a problem with kids not being able to attend school."