Residents of New Cairo in Otavi have raised concerns over trenches dug by the municipality last year, saying they have remained open for months, posing safety risks and disrupting daily life.

The trenches were excavated as part of a municipal project to install water pipelines and sewer infrastructure. 

However, residents said progress has been slow, leaving long stretches of open trenches that pose a danger to children, pedestrians, and motorists.

They stated that the trenches fill with water after rainfall, making them difficult to cross and increasing the risk of accidents.

Residents also claimed that the unfinished work has limited access to their homes, disrupted daily activities, and raised fears that someone could be seriously injured if the trenches remain open.

“Last year in October, I was injured in this trench; for two months I was using crutches. I had twisted my ankle, and I haven't fully recovered; we have nowhere to cross,” according to Salmi Iyambo.

“We have senior citizens, and there is no space for them and all of us to get out of our yards. Even if we want to go fetch water, how do we do it? We need to go through other people's yards. Even the children are falling in there,” said Victoria |Aoses.

“With these tranches, we have nowhere to pass; even the children struggle when nature calls,” added Moses Kati.

Residents are calling on the Otavi Municipality to speed up the project, complete the work, and provide regular updates on completion.

Responding to the concerns, Otavi Municipality Acting Chief Executive Officer Heita Shikeenga appealed to residents to remain patient, saying the temporary inconvenience will result in long-term benefits for the community.

Shikeenga said developing infrastructure in an already occupied residential area is a complex process and that the contractor is in the final stages of installing the water pipeline and sewer infrastructure.

He assured residents that the municipality remains committed to completing the project as quickly as possible.