Fed up with Karasburg Town Council over poor service delivery, residents want the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, to intervene.
A group of disgruntled residents petitioned the council against what they described as a lack of accountability and transparency.
They maintained council-implemented exorbitant hikes in taxes and rates of up to 600% and disconnected the water supply without due process.
In addition, they petitioned against the poor state of roads and non-functional street lights, alleging the council has made no effort to address these pressing issues.
"We respectfully request your urgent intervention and investigation into the following matter: provide official documentation supporting changes in rates and taxes, and release a balance sheet showing payments made to NamWater and NamPower. Confirm whether ministerial approval was granted for the current projects in Karasburg. Disclose details and approval of the council's recent trip to South Africa," said Annemarie Theron, the group's spokesperson.
The protestors also called on the minister to scrutinise council spending on a recently held soccer tournament and seek clarity on land allocation, alleging residents are being sidelined in favour of councillors and staff.
Moreover, they condemned the council for its lack of engagement with the community while taking a swipe at the acting CEO, Steven Fleermuys, and Mayor Maria Veldskoen for allegedly ignoring residents' complaints.
"Their petition is not an act of hostility but of civil duty and unity. We, the people of Karasburg, are simply asking for fairness and transparency. Accountability and a council that serves the community it was elected to represent."
Councillor Gregorius Ruhl received the petition. But this did not sit well with the residents, who demanded that the town's mayor receive it.
Ruhl explained the mayor was not available.
"For the petition, we have received it. I have taken note of your requests. We will ensure it reaches the individuals you mentioned. We heard it is the minister, it is the acting CEO, and it is the mayor."
Ruhl could also not confirm or deny claims by the protestors that two staff members, including the acting CEO, and a councillor are abroad on an official duty in Malaysia, only saying they would return to the office on Monday.