Dalene Kooper
KEETMANSHOOP – As Lüderitz positions itself at the centre of Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions, some residents say the promise of development still feels far removed from daily life in the community.
Residents argue that progress should not only be measured by investment figures but also by improved sanitation, housing, electricity access and opportunities for ordinary people.
For resident Ivan Abraham, the contrast between the town’s future ambitions and current living conditions is clear.
“Residents are struggling with access to ablution facilities and electricity. Houses here were built during the colonial era and are very old,” Abraham said. He stated that sanitation remains one of the town’s biggest challenges, especially in informal and older residential areas where ageing infrastructure continues to affect daily life.
Abraham said some residents are left with little choice but to relieve themselves in open spaces due to the absence of proper sewage systems, while many informal settlement residents have admitted to connecting to electricity illegally from electric poles.
“The residents understand the risks of doing such things, but they have no choice,”
he said, referring to illegal electricity connections in informal settlements.
Abraham also believes Lüderitz has many useful old buildings.
He suggested that an old factory building near the Wamboe bus station could be converted into an SME park for women, informal traders and young entrepreneurs.
“This building has been standing since the colonial era. We hope they can make an SME park for the people,” he said.
Another resident, Simon Endjala, said many young people still feel excluded from discussions around the green hydrogen project. “We have heard of the green hydrogen programme from the media, but we have not heard of local people being educated on this topic,” Endjala said. They also want assurance that the project will bring lasting benefits to local communities.
“We would want proper housing from this project. They should attend to the ever-present sewage problems we have here. Not structures that will be abandoned once the construction phase is over,” he added.
Responding to the concerns, chairperson of the Lüderitz Town Council management committee Ockert Theron said the council is aware of the service delivery challenges facing residents.
“We recognise the concerns raised by residents regarding sanitation, electricity access and housing, and the council remains committed to improving service delivery within available resources,” Theron said.
On the proposal to convert the old building into an SME park, he said Council supports initiatives aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.
“Economic empowerment and support for SMEs remain part of council’s broader development agenda,” he said.
Theron said improving sanitation infrastructure requires phased implementation, planning and funding but remains a priority for the council.
On illegal electricity connections, he warned that the practice remains dangerous and unlawful. “While the council understands the frustrations experienced by some residents, illegal electricity connections remain dangerous and unlawful. Efforts are ongoing to extend services in a structured and lawful manner,” he said.