Residents of Kap N Bou and Blikkiesdorp have petitioned the Grootfontien Municipality to act hastily on addressing the lack of proper sanitation, water, and electricity, clean up filthy streets, as well as address the lack of fire brigade services at the settlements.

The residents petitioned under the banner of the Landless People's Movement (LPM).

"The overflowing drainage is one concern in this town that speaks of a lack of planning. Water provisions in the Kap n Bou section of this town are a very serious issue that has not been taken seriously by this council. 34 years of informal settlement and Blikkies must be formalised and ownership certificates issued to the residents. A fire brigade station must be built to combat fire for the safety of each resident, and a fire truck must be on standby on the side," said group spokesperson Benedict Namaseb.

Namaseb further called on the council to look into the unfair land allocation at Kap n Bou and Blikkiesdorp.

"There seem to be no plans to hand over ownership certificates to the residents of Kap n Bou and old Blikkies, or if there are any plans, why the delay? Land ownership will bring a sense of belonging to our residents in this part of the town. If any plans, we call on the council of Grootfontien to fasten this long overdue process."

The group also wants the contract of Red Force debt collectors cancelled. 

The council has seven working days to respond to the petition; however, Grootfontien Mayor Talitha Garises promised that the council will deliberate on the matter and accord the residents feedback soon.