By Nuusita Ashipala
OSHAKATI – While the rest of the city looks clean and attractive, the informal settlements and the outskirts of Oshakati are drowning in own waste.
Not too far from the main road that passes by two of the prominent, big, clean shopping malls – Game and Etango – is a water channel with still-standing greenish water which seemingly has become a dumpsite.
The garbage is not only an eyesore but also restricts the water to flow from the town to its designated destination most especially now that it is raining.
The still-standing water also poses a health hazard to the community as it may become a breeding site for mosquitos and contribute to malaria cases and other diseases.
The public relations officer at the Oshakati Town Council Jackson Muma said the council noted with concern the littering last year already – prompting council to embark on an annual clean-up campaign last year.
“We are serious about hygiene and the general cleanliness of our town. Therefore, council continues to urge all residents to avoid throwing waste materials anywhere on the ground but rather to use the provided waste containers. If a resident or a business did not acquire a garbage bin, please visit the office and get yourself one,” said Muma.
He added that the earth channel was among many other channels cleaned as part of preparations for the rainy season.
Also, Muma acknowledged that it is not healthy to have stagnant water in a town because it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitos. He further related that council was busy rectifying wherever blockages might have occurred.
Furthermore, Muma said that during the festive season council encouraged the public to clean their places and use the provided skips, refuse bins, bags and other means to keep the town clean.
“It could have happened that after the festive season some members of the public around that area ignored even the skip container adjacent to that channel at the side of the Etango complex. The contractor for waste removal at the site of the open market generally removes waste twice a week, and as we speak the waste has already been collected and disposed of.”
According to Muma council is pleading with cattle owners to take care of their animals as well. He said council does not want to see any goats, cattle, donkeys, pigs or any prohibited animals in town because they equally contribute to untidiness.
“We still see cattle in town which is very disappointing. Alternatively, animals that are found roaming around will be impounded and the owner will pay upon claiming his or her animals from the pound,” said Muma.