The San community in Omega 3 feels discriminated against and neglected, claiming that the government is not providing them with basic services for an extended period of time.

Omega 3, an area predominantly inhabited by the San community, was visited by the parliamentary standing committee on constitutional and legal affairs.

During the visit, several issues were raised, including unemployment, contaminated drinking water, and the lack of electricity in the area.

"The other issue that I will add on top is the issue of not having our regional councillors and governor visit us to hear our concerns; as a result, our issues that are being raised are not being attended to, and we are being discriminated against and unfairly treated as compared to other ethnic groups in the region.
Parents were also concerned that the lack of electricity affected their students, as they were unable to study at night."

They also added that the delay in the completion of the school hostel due to electricity and water not being installed yet was also worrisome, as some school learners who live far from the area have resorted to residing in tents close to the school.

"If you also look at the hostel accommodation in the tent over there, the state of the tent is not that good; some learners also just sleep outside. Be reminded that this is a national park and dangerous animals just roam around."

Another resident, Mavis Boster, told the committee that they only encounter leaders during elections, saying they do not engage with their concerns at other times.

The absence of a clinic in the area was also raised by the residents, who expressed their repeated requests for assistance in this regard.

They highlighted that the nearest clinic is between 40 and 50 kilometres away, in either Kongola or Cheto, making it difficult for them to access necessary healthcare services.

Additionally, obtaining national documents is challenging due to the long distance to Katima Mulilo.

The parliamentary standing committee also visited Cheto before proceeding to the Kavango regions.

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Juliet Sibeso