Auleria Wakudumo
Residents of the Ombili informal settlement in Helao Nafidi are demanding immediate relocation from an area earmarked for the construction of private schools.
Community representatives urged the town council to provide decent housing before allowing the development of schools and industries to start.
“Businesses benefit from people, but people must first live with dignity,” the protesting residents said.
In a strongly worded letter to Helao Nafidi Town Council leadership, the community claim they are being neglected, ignored while the council keeps forging ahead with projects that leave residents in overcrowded and degrading living conditions.
Representatives Simon Erastus and Valley Kamali said most households in Ombili consist of small, one-room structures originally built for single occupants. Over the years, many families have grown to up to 10 members, forcing parents and children to share a single room separated only by curtains.
“Our children are growing up in the same small room with their parents and siblings. The beds, pots, and kitchen are all in one space. This is not a healthy environment, yet we are not allowed to extend because we are told relocation is imminent. But when is this relocation taking place?” the community members asked.
Residents also complained about fencing being constructed without prior notice, which they say affects their daily lives and well-being. They added that town council offices are characterized with confusion, with letters redirected between departments and community plans often cancelled without explanation.
The Ombili community questioned why relocation and development in their area have stalled compared with other settlements, calling for transparency on the GIZ-supported programme that was expected to facilitate Ombili’s relocation and planning.
“Where did the relocation and development end? Why is Ombili not developed like other settlements? Is there something blocking these developments? What is the status of the GIZ programme?” they asked.
Another grievance is that residents are charged lease fees for electricity and water despite not owning land or formal housing. The recent introduction of prepaid water taps has intensified frustration.
“You are charging fees to people who do not own land or houses. Please develop the settlement first, then everyone will willingly pay lease fees,” the residents said.
The Ombili community outlined demands including immediate relocation, provision of basic services such as toilets, water, and land before new businesses can be set up, halting of fencing land for private schools and industries until relocation is complete, clear communication and consultation on all development projects, and transparency on the status of the GIZ programme.
The residents gave the Helao Nafidi Town Council 72 hours to respond to their grievances, warning that silence would only deepen frustrations. “We are not against development, but development should begin with people, not businesses. Even God created humans first before their needs. Treat us with dignity and relocate us before bringing private schools and industries,” the residents demanded.
The disgruntled residents had marched to the town council offices to hand over their petition, but no official came forward to receive the document.
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