SWAKOPMUND – Residents from the DRC informal settlement at Swakopmund were dispersed by the police on Monday evening after they tried to embark on an illegal demonstration for decent housing.

The group of more than 300 people, through their leader Erna !Gom-Khaises, demanded to occupy the unoccupied NHE houses in the Matutura residential area, saying they were fed up of being told to wait for approval year-after-year.

“We decided to take this step on our own just to prove how serious we are with this issue. We have been in several meetings with the municipality but nothing fruitful has emanated from these meetings. We are tired,” !Gom-Khaises expressed.

The group said most of them have applied for houses since 2007 and to no avail – even though they can afford them.  “We are afraid the same thing that happened in Twaloloka will soon happen to us. The reason for the unfortunate fire incident that occurred in Walvis Bay is because of their living conditions, as they too have been denied their right to decent housing,” she said. Some of the group members also stated they took the decision in solidarity with their fellow brothers and sisters affected by the fire at Twaloloka.

Mondesa Namibian Police Force Station commander Hilma Uugwanga advised the group leaders to follow the right procedures before embarking on another unauthorised gathering by requesting for permission through a letter to the police. “You can never right a wrong with another wrong; it will never work; therefore, follow the right procedures,” Uugwanga noted. This is the fourth large gathering in four days after the police warned against such gatherings that are prohibited during stage 3 of the lockdown in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis.
– Nampa