Rundu authorities must 'pull up their socks', Swapo coordinator says
Gabriel Hakusembe, Swapo’s regional coordinator for Kavango East, says he is engaging local authority councillors this month to fast-track the provision of long-awaited street infrastructure and electricity for the Tumweneni and Tuhingireni informal settlements in Rundu.
“I have to engage the local authority councillors to pull their socks up,” Hakusembe told Namibian Sun this week, urging officials to act quickly “so at least they can put up the streets and some lights to avoid people being beaten or murdered.”
Hakusembe acknowledged growing frustration and impatience among residents, who had previously pooled together nearly N$300 000 to contribute towards improvements of basic services, only to see no progress.
He vowed that the areas would soon be officially recognised and serviced, citing previous success in securing recognition for an informal settlement last year.
Quality of life stifled by lack of services
Informal settlement residents have grown increasingly disillusioned. During a mini-rally in Rundu on Sunday, Tumweneni and nearby Tuhingireni residents accused the ruling party of failing to fulfil promises made during last year’s elections.
“Without these services put in, crime continues to rise,” local resident Fransiska Ndara said during an interview with this publication.
Their concerns are not unfounded.
A May report in Namibian Sun noted that nearly two decades have passed without electricity in Tuhingireni.
The same article highlighted a series of shocking crimes, including two developmentally disabled women reportedly raped and others attacked under cover of darkness. These crimes were attributed in part to inadequate lighting and police presence.
In addition, a local newspaper article earlier this year raised alarm over the felling of local trees in Tumweneni, eroding both shade and community morale.
Communities in Kavango East have consistently flagged poor feeder roads. A November Namibian Sun survey confirmed widespread infrastructure neglect affecting healthcare and commerce.
Hakusembe was careful not to overpromise, noting the complexities of coordination and funding. “Give me time, I’ll engage the local authority,” he pledged.
“I have to engage the local authority councillors to pull their socks up,” Hakusembe told Namibian Sun this week, urging officials to act quickly “so at least they can put up the streets and some lights to avoid people being beaten or murdered.”
Hakusembe acknowledged growing frustration and impatience among residents, who had previously pooled together nearly N$300 000 to contribute towards improvements of basic services, only to see no progress.
He vowed that the areas would soon be officially recognised and serviced, citing previous success in securing recognition for an informal settlement last year.
Quality of life stifled by lack of services
Informal settlement residents have grown increasingly disillusioned. During a mini-rally in Rundu on Sunday, Tumweneni and nearby Tuhingireni residents accused the ruling party of failing to fulfil promises made during last year’s elections.
“Without these services put in, crime continues to rise,” local resident Fransiska Ndara said during an interview with this publication.
Their concerns are not unfounded.
A May report in Namibian Sun noted that nearly two decades have passed without electricity in Tuhingireni.
The same article highlighted a series of shocking crimes, including two developmentally disabled women reportedly raped and others attacked under cover of darkness. These crimes were attributed in part to inadequate lighting and police presence.
In addition, a local newspaper article earlier this year raised alarm over the felling of local trees in Tumweneni, eroding both shade and community morale.
Communities in Kavango East have consistently flagged poor feeder roads. A November Namibian Sun survey confirmed widespread infrastructure neglect affecting healthcare and commerce.
Hakusembe was careful not to overpromise, noting the complexities of coordination and funding. “Give me time, I’ll engage the local authority,” he pledged.
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