Residents of Windhoek’s informal settlements, who faced sleepless nights due to devastation from heavy rains in their area, are slowly attempting to pick up the pieces.

A relentless downpour over the past few days has wreaked havoc in the informal settlements, leaving hundreds of families displaced, properties destroyed, and many residents homeless.

In Havana, Greenwell Matongo and Otjomuise, the damage has been catastrophic. 

Makeshift shacks, often the only homes for families, were no match for the surging water. 

For many, everything they owned was carried away, leaving them at the mercy of good Samaritans.

“I watched as the water swept my house away,” said Kasoro Matheus, one of the residents of 8ste Laan in Otjomuise.

He lives with his wife and two children in a riverbed, having resorted to this after repeated attempts to secure land in the city allegedly proved futile.

His voice trembled as he stood by what remains of his home. 

“We had no time to save anything. The rain was not that heavy when it started. But after a few moments, we noticed the river filling up. The next thing, the whole house was underwater,” he narrated.

Families now face the daunting reality of starting over with nothing.

The loss is compounded for school-aged children. 

With the school year just days away, his two children, who at the time of the interview were on holiday in Rundu, have lost their national documents, textbooks, uniforms and stationery.

“We have lost everything… our home, car, national documents and my children’s school certificates. How do you start over when you have nothing?” he asked, gesturing toward his vehicle, which was submerged in the river’s mud.

Matheus and his family have been living on the riverbed for eight years.

This is the second time that their belongings were washed away.

“We just want the city to relocate us to another area, there are so many better areas they can put us in,” he said.

The City of Windhoek has over the years urged residents to avoid settling in riverbeds, a common but dangerous practice in informal settlements. 

Havana resident Silas Imene has been struggling for two decades to afford formal housing.

Hence, the caution felt hollow.

“Where else are we supposed to go?” asked Imene, whose family lost everything in the flood. 

“We are not here by choice. It’s because we have no option. We don’t have land,” he complained.

Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with good Samaritans, officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and the City of Windhoek providing emergency relief. 

Some volunteers have distributed blankets, food and clothing items to the displaced. 

Yet, the needs far outweigh the resources available.

The floods have also brought to light the broader challenge of urban poverty and inadequate infrastructure in informal settlements. 

Poor drainage systems and unchecked urban sprawl have exacerbated the impact of seasonal rains, turning what should be a blessing into a disaster.

Community leader Cassava Autanga said “We have been experiencing this problem almost every year, where the most vulnerable reel from the impact of severe flooding”.

“These people live in riverbeds. When the rain started, we tried rescuing those who were in the water by throwing ropes at them. While we are still waiting for assistance from the City of Windhoek, those who no longer have homes are being accommodated by their neighbours,” he said.

He added that over 200 households in 8ste Laan have been affected, with little significant intervention. 

Autanga pleaded with good Samaritans to complement the government’s efforts in assisting those affected.

“Even a blanket goes a long way,” he said.

Housing challenges

Another resident, Aipumbu Jacobs, who lives in Havana, said he has been awaiting the City of Windhoek for the approval of land since 2006.

“Every year… same story. We are always told to wait. Until when. We don’t have proper housing,” he said.

The shortage of serviced land has for years been a serious challenge for the housing sector. 

Furthermore, widespread poverty, unemployment and economic inequality have entrenched livelihoods, with limited legal coherence and insufficient public funding to address the growing infrastructural challenges.

This was admitted by the rural and urban minister Erastus Uutoni last year.

“Local authorities continue to sell land to private property developers, who in turn sell houses at exorbitant prices, thereby creating a mismatch between demand and supply. Available serviced land and housing is priced due to input costs,” he said at the time.

While the government has put up interventions to build houses for the nation, it was reported in the media that the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) has built only 21 545 houses since its inception 31 years ago. 

It is currently dealing with a backlog of 300 000 houses.

Over 120 000 applicants have been on the company’s waiting list since 2005.

The waiting list in the Khomas region stands at 33 000.

City’s effort

The City of Windhoek has on their media platforms urged the residents to keep natural water channels clear of any debris and obstructions to prevent further flooding incidents.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that the natural water flow in Otjomuise was obstructed by discarded tyres, causing water to stagnate and flood the area. 

“Additionally, blocked culverts along Eneas Peter Nanyemba Street in road construction zones led to flooding in nearby houses. Our emergency services are working tirelessly to manage the situation. While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, several vehicles were swept away,” the City of Windhoek further reported.

The City of Windhoek has begun implementing measures to assist the affected residents. 

“Plans are underway to prepare a relocation site, with Goreangab being one of the potential locations. This will allow for the relocation of affected households to higher, safer grounds. Temporary shelters in the form of tents will be provided, along with food parcels to support those in need. Efforts to clear riverbeds to mitigate future flooding risks are also ongoing,” City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya stated.

She said some households had experienced flooding in the past. 

They had been temporarily relocated, while others were newcomers who settled in areas previously identified as unsafe. 

Amutenya expressed gratitude to stakeholders supporting the relief efforts, emphasising the collaborative spirit during this crisis.

“The City of Windhoek extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Office of the Prime Minister, for their invaluable support in assisting the affected residents. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of unity during times of crisis,” she noted.

She cautioned residents against exploiting the relief measures, urging the public to act responsibly. 

“We urge the public to note that these relief efforts are specifically intended for those who are genuinely in need. The safety and well-being of all residents remain a top priority as we navigate this challenging time together,” she said.

ashikololo@nepc.com.na