Since the beginning of this year, Swakopmund has reported 22 fire incidents, primarily affecting shacks.

Mayor Blasius !Goraseb has expressed concern about the rising number of fires, attributing the situation to a significant housing shortage, with over 300,000 housing units needed. Specifically, Swakopmund faces a deficit of 22,000 housing units, forcing many residents to live ipn informal settlements constructed from highly flammable materials, leading to frequent fire outbreaks.

To address this issue, the municipality has launched a decongestion program aimed at relocating residents who are squatting in backyards.

Fire prevention remains a top priority for the town.

!Goraseb stated, "This is a serious issue as people are losing their belongings, their livelihoods, and irreplaceable properties. The sentimental value of some items cannot be measured in monetary terms. No amount of money can replace what has been lost. This danger from fires is one of our biggest challenges, but through our decongestion programs and efforts toward formalization, we are addressing the issue of backyard shacks in Swakopmund."

Like many towns, Swakopmund is struggling with urban migration as people seek job opportunities.

However, many newcomers face disappointing realities, often finding themselves in areas lacking basic services such as water, electricity, and proper sanitation.

Fire victims shared their experiences:

"I was in the room when I heard kids shouting that there was a fire. By the time I came out, my house was already ablaze. A neighbor helped me salvage a few items, but I lost so much."

"I was in my friend's room when I suspect a faulty cable caused the fire. I had warned the landlord that the cable could be dangerous. Two weeks later, it happened. When my friend told me our room was on fire, I couldn’t believe it. By the time I got outside, it was already engulfed in flames."