Usakos Town Council CEO Lesley Goreseb has responded to the long-standing concerns raised by residents of Saam-staan, outlining the council's development plans aimed at improving living conditions in the area – particularly focussing on water, sanitation and electrification. 

Speaking to nbc News, Goreseb confirmed that the council has identified Saamstaan as well as Ongulumbashe as priority areas for basic service delivery. 

He stated that plans are underway to implement a proper sewerage system, as well as electrification in key areas throughout the settlement.

"Usakos Town Council is busy with informal settlement upgrading in Ongulumbushe and Saam-Staan. In Saam-Staan we have put in water systems and lines. We are busy installing prepaid water systems; they have stern pipes, but we are going to give each household its water meter. On the sewer matters, Usakos town council is signing a contract; they appointed a contractor to put sewers in Saam Staan; we have already put in sewers in Ongulumbashe."

This comes after pensioner Ouma Surikus ||Gaseb and her neighbour Cecelia Brandt revealed to nbc News that, despite having toilet spaces in their homes, they have no proper plumbing or drainage.

 As a result, they are forced to dig holes in their yards to relieve themselves – a practice they say is both unsafe and degrading.

In addition to the sanitation crisis, the community is deeply concerned about the absence of street lighting. 

Residents say the pitch-dark conditions at night have led to an increase in drug use among the youth, who gather in unlit corners to smoke and engage in risky behaviour.