For several years, the dusty back of the Katutura Youth Complex has been a home to many who sought refuge during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Most of them, primarily Ovaherero, Ovahimba, Ovazemba and Ovambanderu people, were originally settled near the Commando Hall in the heart of Katutura before being moved to control the virus’ spread at a time when movement was at a bare minimum, as dusk to dawn curfews were activated to help curb the spread. 

As years went by, however, others joined due to homelessness and the skyrocketing cost of living in the capital city, including some university and vocational education students. 

Now, New Era understands, they all face eviction, without an alternative in place.

For over two weeks now, the silence from the authorities, particularly the sports ministry which owns the facility, has been deafening. 

A recent visit by New Era to the camp revealed the harsh realities faced by the residents. 

Among them is Kavetoko Mbinge, an Animal Husbandry student at the Namibia College of Technology and Vocational Training. 

He also works as a security guard. His modest income, N$2 000, supports his wife and children, and also covers his tuition fees. 

Another resident, Uaangemua Patire, relocated to the camp after spending 10 years at the Ovaharero paramount chief’s palace with her children, the new Commando Hall. 

She dreams of having a place of her own one day.

“When Covid-19 came, they moved us here, and now I am homeless. The government came, and asked how they could help us. We told them we needed land, a clean place where we could build small houses, live with our kids, and send them to school. We try to get food ourselves by asking around in the streets. I asked the government for work – even just to clean or cook in the hospital,” she said.

Daily struggles

During the day, women in the camp are often seen doing laundry, cooking and caring for their young children, while some men go out to work. Unemployed residents remain at the camp with their families. At night, temperatures can drop to freezing point, making conditions unbearable for many as the shelters are not built to withstand such cold, leaving residents vulnerable.

Economic hardships

For most, making ends meet is a mirage. With the cost-of-living escalating, they find themselves trapped between the proverbial rock and a hard place, with little room to manoeuvre.

The situation has driven many to the camp, including Vasty Jeremiah. 

She once had a job that allowed her to rent a flat, but after being laid off, she found herself unable to afford basic living expenses, and decided to move to the camp.

“I used to rent an apartment, but rent became too expensive after I lost my job. I tried living with my family, but they didn’t want me around. I heard about this place for homeless people, but when I arrived, people didn’t want me here either. They said the place belonged to those who came first. It was hard without a place to sleep or food to eat. I went to the government offices for help, but nothing happened. I hope the government gives us land to live on so we can look for work. Even if we find work, we can’t afford rent,” she lamented.

Eviction threats

As if living in these challenging conditions were not difficult enough, the residents recently received a visit from Katutura Central councillor Vezamba Katjaimo. 

He informed the campers he had been instructed to give them an eviction notice.  

With no alternative housing options, the residents now face the threat of homelessness once again. 

According to the residents, he is sympathetic to their situation, and is willing to listen to their demands to find a proper solution.

Katjaimo, however, denies giving them the eviction notice, but acknowledged visiting and engaging the destitute group. 

-isipunga@nepc.com.na

Photos: Isai Sipunga