The councillor of the Epukiro Constituency, Pineal Pakarae, has said they are working on a number of initiatives to support the San community in the Otjimanangombe settlement.
Pakarae’s response followed a report by Nampa on the poor living conditions of the San people at Otjimanangombe village, where they live in makeshift plastic structures near a riverbed.
Mbeurora Gustav, speaking on behalf of the affected San group, told this news agency they need a permanent place that they can call home at Otjimanangombe.
He said they face many challenges, amongst others a safe space to store their belongings when they have to go out and look for work.
“We need a proper place to build houses as we have school-going children. Some of us were born here and our parents are buried here,” Gustav added.
According to Pakarae, the group has been living there for four months.
“They initially moved from Okatumba Gate in search of temporary work, and they keep relocating from one place to another,” he explained.
The councillor said the community’s nomadic lifestyle makes it difficult to establish a permanent shelter for them in the settlement. He added that the matter has been referred to the Otjimanangombe Waterpoint Committee to allocate a suitable site for the group to reside.
Ruth Tjonga, chairperson of the Otjimanangombe Waterpoint Committee, acknowledged the situation and promised that they would resolve the matter.
“We are aware of their situation and we currently have a place for those who have school-going children to build their structures in the vicinity of Omuhaturua Primary School,” Tjonga stated.
Pakarae highlighted other initiatives in the Epukiro Constituency to support the San community, such as the establishment of permanent housing sites in villages such as Otumbonde, Okatuuo, Otjimati, Otjombundiro and Okanguindi.
Additionally, Omuramba-uambiombapa, better known as Osava village, is being developed, while a new waterpoint was handed over to the San Traditional Authority under Chief Frederik Langman in December.
“Our goal is to create a planned housing scheme for the San community. This will include a clinic, a school, and systematic farming units for crop production and small-scale livestock farming,” Pakarae said.
The councillor also said the constituency has collaborated with the Harnas Foundation to allocate plots for the construction of 40 houses for San community members at the Epukiro Post 3 settlement. The Rooiland location is set to be relocated to a newly established site, Extension One, with ongoing consultations involving traditional leaders.
“These initiatives are part of our efforts to provide sustainable housing and improve the quality of life of the San community,” Pakarae said.