A year after flash floods displaced them from their homes, many families relocated to Farm 508 on the outskirts of Windhoek in the Goreangab area say they are still facing severe daily hardships.

From long walks to access basic services to a lack of electricity and transport, flood victims are now calling on authorities to urgently intervene and provide sustainable solutions to improve their quality of life and restore their dignity.

One affected resident, Rachel Shaanika, said they have limited access to basic services.

“We don't see any development here. They brought us to this side, but there is no network, and the mobile clinic here only operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, which should not be that way. It is supposed to operate at least Monday to Friday. Imagine if someone falls ill when they are not operating. When we are contacted by those that can transport us from this side, the phone will indicate that my number is unreachable due to network failure. Another issue is that not every household received toilets yet as promised, and only some did. The reason being that there are not enough materials for installation. Lastly, there are no daycare centres around this area where one can leave a child when they are going to work, so it is better that they take us back to Otjomuise.”

Another flood victim, Banza Fillip, echoed the same sentiments.

“Generally what I have observed in terms of development is that basic services like water and electricity, including schools, are still needed in our community/location. However, I need to acknowledge and appreciate that at least there's water even though we still don't have electricity yet. In addition, there's a need for better roads, and the school is still under construction, but we won't leave and go anywhere for now.”

Belinda Mulemwa, who is also a resident, called on the Municipality to improve their livelihoods.

“The only development here so far is the provision of water and a school, although children are being taught in tents. We still thank God for that, including the clinic, but it only operates 3 days in a week. They start past eleven and close at three o'clock. We are also worried about the rain as it starts, because we don’t know how our children cross the riverbeds. These riverbeds get flooded, and it’s the only way for the kids to go to school, which is very dangerous too, so we plead with the Municipality to construct a road.”

Another major issue they explained is the long distance to and from their homes just to access basic supplies.

Residents are calling on the municipality to provide at least two buses to help them travel to nearby facilities, saying taxis are rarely available and sometimes a whole week can pass without seeing one in the area.

While they are trying to adapt to life at Farm 508, residents say the situation has become a heavy burden for many families.