WINDHOEK – The City of Windhoek’s Public Relations Officer, Lydia Amutenya, says the municipality is aware of an invasion of land in informal settlements adjacent to Goreangab dam.
New Era last week ran an article on residents of Thlabanelo informal settlement adjacent to Goreangab dam having resorted to using sewerage water to wash their clothes, bath and in some instances also for drinking purposes because they do not have taps.
“It is true there are no basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation in that specific area because for any area to be upgraded with a proper system of water, sewers, electricity and roads a regularisation of the area must be undertaken. It is only then that services can be provided in an orderly fashion as their delivery will be guided by the approved plans for the area which is not the case in illegally settled areas,” said Amutenya in response to New Era on whether the municipality is aware of those residents’ plights.
Amutenya further discouraged people from setting up illegal settlements to avoid situations such as at Thlabanelo informal settlement, adding: “What is happening now is that people illegally invade an area and thereafter start demanding services of the municipality.”
By Alvine Kapitako