TSUMEB – The copper mining town of Tsumeb has grown tremendously over the past year and the growth can be attributed to employment opportunities presented by mines in the surrounding area.
However, this growth in population, according to Festus Nekayi, the Head of Planning, Design and Development at the Tsumeb Municipality is hampering the availability and accessibility of basic needs such as health care.
“Challenges faced by the municipality whilst addressing the shortage of land are the influx of low income residents exceeding the speed of land delivery, the lack of serviced land and affordability, resulting in informal settlements and reduced access to medical and healthcare facilities,” said Nekayi.
He further noted that the newly urbanised population or people relocating from other towns have employment expectations which may not be met.
The Tsumeb Town Council has come up with a long-term plan aimed at addressing challenges faced whilst availing land to residents.
The plan, which is currently under public scrutiny, will address adequate allocation to large and medium population densities within the town, implement projects that will further develop infrastructure and see the construction of a new waste facility, the re-location of the aerodrome at the town and the expansion of town lands.
By Rochelle Neidel