GOCHAS – Residents of Gochas have called for urgent action to tackle the escalating rubbish heap issue, emphasising that the lack of skip containers has sparked public outrage due to the possible looming health and environmental risks involved.
In the sleepy village of Gochas, Hardap
region, where a warm community spirit usually reigns, a rising tide of frustration and concern is sweeping through the community.
A looming rubbish crisis has left villagers deeply troubled and seeking urgent solutions. With the absence of skip containers, households are forced to dump their garden waste in front of their homes, creating unsightly heaps of
rubbish. Last Wednesday, Johannes Kooper, a resident of the New Location, spoke with sadness over the situation to New Era during a visit to the village. “For the past 10 years, when it gets windy, all the rubbish blows into our houses. That heap has been there for eight months now.”
His grievances have resonated with the community as others join in voicing concerns over the village council’s sluggish response to rubbish collection, with waiting times extending up to an entire year.
Eyes Afrikaner, another resident, expressed concern over the potential health hazards, saying, “We are falling sick from various diseases due to the lack of proper dumping sites. The council needs to devise a better strategy to improve this situation”.
Carrying a bucket of rubbish to add to the ever-growing heap near his home, Afrikaner embodies the frustrations that many now bear.
David Afrikaner, equally troubled by the hazardous waste predicament, has put forth a practical proposal, urging the village council to employ temporary cleaners for weekly rubbish collection – a solution that has proven successful in neighbouring areas.
Denfriedt Adams, also a resident, raised doubts about the council’s previous advice to dispose of rubbish at nearby open spaces, citing how this only exacerbates the problem, particularly during gusty winds, saying, “Today, the location may appear clean, but during windy days, the situation is unbearable”.
At the heart of the matter lies a financial struggle faced by the Gochas Village Council. Acting CEO Paulina Eiseb acknowledged this challenge, saying, “The problem is that we do not have money to buy skip containers. Nonetheless, we are actively educating the community about responsible waste disposal and urging them to utilise a single open space designated for dumping”. The village council said it is not sitting idle.
Eiseb shed light on their proactive approach, unveiling plans for a cleaning campaign to see the community actively tackling the pressing rubbish issue.
“Furthermore, the council has reached out to various stakeholders in hopes of securing funding to purchase the much-needed skip containers,” she assured.
With bated breath, the residents now await a positive response, hopeful that the council will find alternative solutions to the growing rubbish problem.
As the community stands united, they call upon the village council to prioritise the allocation of funds for skip containers and take swift action to protect the well-being of all residents. “By working together, Gochas can overcome this challenge and preserve its standing as a serene and harmonious place to call home,” said Samuel Kooper.
– ljason@nepc.com.na