Some residents from Ndama in Rundu have mixed feelings about a sewage pump station that is being constructed in the area, fearing health hazards. 

Some Ndama residents have been using septic tanks, pit latrines and bushes for years now when nature calls.
The construction of a sewage system will therefore relieve them, but some are concerned.

"My concern about the developments is the machine or the hole they are going to dig to put up the machine, because they put it in the middle of us, which will cause air pollution, which is not healthier for the people. I know the idea is to help us, but I suggest if the machine should be moved somewhere up, not in between us," said resident Klaus Ndara.

Residents draw their experience from a pump station near Ngondo School in New Millennium Park, which they say produces a foul smell. 

"Everyone within Rundu knows, if you are passing at Ngondo, there is a smell we get there that is not good. At Ngondo the planning was nice, because they did not allow people to stay there, unlike us now here, whereby the plan was not really good."

Some are, however, pleased that they would no longer need to pay businesses for sewage-related services.

"We are happy for the developments they are bringing to us, because usually we would dig our own septic tanks. When it gets full, we would pay someone to come and drain out the sewage water. Now they have made it easy because you can buy your own sewage pipes and connect to the main sewer," added resident Rosivitha Makanga.

Makanga alleges that the town council gave her household a contract to sign without understanding its contents.  

 "Unfortunately I was not home; they only found my grandmother. I really do not know the content of that contract. Then my grandmother signed the paper on my behalf. My grandmother does not know English. They did not give us a copy of that contract to know its content, whether it is what they promised us or something else. They didn't give any information regarding that contract."

Some local people say the Rundu town council promised to pay residents for any losses they will incur during the construction process of the sewage pump station. 

Local Reginalda Makoya adds, "Ndama Town Council officials came to take pictures of our structures and our trees. Our poles were damaged and taken away. They promised to compensate us, but they never came back to tell us who will pay for the damage. Is it town council or the contractors?" 

Approached for comment the Public Relations Officer at the Rundu Town Council, Benjamin Makayi, says it is common for a pump station to be located in a residential area.

"The community should not fear that there will be a problem with the pump station, because the council will ensure the operation and maintenance of the pump station with a standby machine, perhaps sufficient pump capacity. No major maintenance challenges are envisaged so far, so everything will run smoothly."

Regarding claims of compensation, Makayi says it will be done within the compensation policy of the town council. 
The spokesperson is calling on residents to be calm and pave the way for development.