Residents of Omaruru have threatened to occupy unserviced land, saying the municipality has failed to address their grievances.

These include a lack of affordable land and housing, development, employment opportunities, and improved living standards.

The residents made the threats during a community feedback meeting with the councillors and management.

They wanted to know why the town was among others lagging behind in development, lack of basic services, inflated prices for single-quarter social houses, land affordability, and pensioners' debt.

They also want the prepaid water metres removed, saying the billing of water is inconsistent.

Omaruru Mayor Vincent Kahua says the council is aware of the residents' challenges.

"We know the situation in Hakahana, Vyfrand, Sonskyn, and Agstelaan. The issue of toilets is a real issue that we cannot deny. The issue of the pipes is that some of the pipes in Hakahana are just moving next to the people there, and there is no direction to the house. That is a direct issue to be addressed by us as leaders. We have a plan to address the issue of connection in terms of water. Electrification in Hakahana, yes, the contractor is on the ground. I know of our residents waiting for 13 years for electricity in Hakahana."

Another feedback meeting will be held on the 21st of next month to provide the council's resolutions and seek budget inputs and development plans from the residents.