Hamata demands better living conditions in Oshikango
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Hidipo Hamata, a former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament and the party’s candidate for the Helao Nafidi constituency in the upcoming elections, says residents continue to endure deplorable living conditions that he wants addressed by the end of the year.
This is according to a letter Hamata wrote to Helao Nafidi Town Council chief executive Inge Ipinge, dated 7 November, in which he calls on the council to tackle the problems affecting residents.
“During my recent door-to-door engagements in Oshikango, I observed first-hand the severe hardships residents are enduring. As a candidate of the PDM, I am compelled, morally, politically and constitutionally, to formally demand urgent remedial action from the Helao Nafidi Town Council,” he wrote.
“These matters are not only unacceptable but also legally and socially indefensible, and they require immediate correction before the end of this year.”
He said residents continue to live without proper sanitation, forcing women and children to relieve themselves in open spaces, exposing them to disease, harassment and physical harm.
“According to Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution, every individual is entitled to human dignity, and under Article 9, all state organs must promote the welfare and health of the population," he noted.
“I therefore demand that the council construct fully operational public toilets in all Oshikango locations by 31 December, including safe access, lighting, water and ongoing maintenance, to ensure the health and safety of all residents.”
Land issue
Hamata further noted that he had learnt about alleged land allocations in which plots were, according to some residents, given to them under the pretext of drought relief, followed by lease agreements that many did not fully understand. Residents told Hamata this has left them with financial obligations they can't afford.
“This practice is inconsistent with Article 18 of the Constitution, which mandates fairness, reasonableness and transparency in administrative actions, and with Sections 30(1)(b) and (f) of the Local Authorities Act of 1992, which obligate councils to promote the welfare of inhabitants and ensure the provision of essential services,” he wrote.
“I therefore demand that the council cancel all lease agreements issued under these circumstances and restart the allocation process, providing full consultation, written explanation and fair, affordable terms that reflect the socio-economic realities of residents.”
When contacted for comment yesterday, Ipinge indicated that she had not yet received the letter and could not provide comment.
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This is according to a letter Hamata wrote to Helao Nafidi Town Council chief executive Inge Ipinge, dated 7 November, in which he calls on the council to tackle the problems affecting residents.
“During my recent door-to-door engagements in Oshikango, I observed first-hand the severe hardships residents are enduring. As a candidate of the PDM, I am compelled, morally, politically and constitutionally, to formally demand urgent remedial action from the Helao Nafidi Town Council,” he wrote.
“These matters are not only unacceptable but also legally and socially indefensible, and they require immediate correction before the end of this year.”
He said residents continue to live without proper sanitation, forcing women and children to relieve themselves in open spaces, exposing them to disease, harassment and physical harm.
“According to Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution, every individual is entitled to human dignity, and under Article 9, all state organs must promote the welfare and health of the population," he noted.
“I therefore demand that the council construct fully operational public toilets in all Oshikango locations by 31 December, including safe access, lighting, water and ongoing maintenance, to ensure the health and safety of all residents.”
Land issue
Hamata further noted that he had learnt about alleged land allocations in which plots were, according to some residents, given to them under the pretext of drought relief, followed by lease agreements that many did not fully understand. Residents told Hamata this has left them with financial obligations they can't afford.
“This practice is inconsistent with Article 18 of the Constitution, which mandates fairness, reasonableness and transparency in administrative actions, and with Sections 30(1)(b) and (f) of the Local Authorities Act of 1992, which obligate councils to promote the welfare of inhabitants and ensure the provision of essential services,” he wrote.
“I therefore demand that the council cancel all lease agreements issued under these circumstances and restart the allocation process, providing full consultation, written explanation and fair, affordable terms that reflect the socio-economic realities of residents.”
When contacted for comment yesterday, Ipinge indicated that she had not yet received the letter and could not provide comment.
[email protected]
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