Outjo residents have appealed for strict enforcement of the law to minimise criminality and alcohol and drug abuse within their community.

They expressed their needs during a meeting with authorities organised by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

The Kunene residents believe that most of the social evils encountered in their community have their origins in alcohol and drug abuse.

Shebeens are mainly found in the informal settlement, which the municipality says was designated for residential purposes. 

"And that's why we are telling people you are not supposed to have a bar because the area where you are staying is not even conducive for you to have a bar. It's a small place that you have been accorded to build your house; those are the rules," says Rivonia Roman, PRO at the Outjo Municipality.

While municipal regulations are in place, community members say illegal bars are allowed to operate unhindered.

The community appealed for periodic campaigns to engage the youth in the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. 

The community meetings are part of the Empowering Civil Society Organisations Project by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, implemented in three regions and aimed at identifying key social issues.