A tenuous grasp on survival

The unexpectedly heavy rainfall that fell in most parts of the country may have come as a welcome relief for many Namibians, especially farmers who have been longing for a wet spell. There is no doubt that the significant rain received over the last few days helped allayed fears of a possible drought in the country. Many farmers are looking forward to a bumper crop harvest as well as improved conditions for their livestock. Regrettably, the rain also brought misery to some people, especially those living in makeshift structures and shacks. The widely reported and unfortunate incident involving a family of four makes for a very sad reading. Saima Thomas' lifeless body was discovered more than two kilometres from where their shack had stood after a flash flood caused by heavy rain on Monday evening swept away their structure and the only place they call home. Thomas had just given birth to a healthy baby girl two days earlier. The baby girl fortunately survived the tragedy after she was rescued by her father, who also made it out unscathed. The couple's three-year-old son, however, has disappeared and is still reported missing. This family's tragic loss has sparked anguish, not only amongst community members, but many Namibians have expressed great shock at what has happened. This unfortunate event is likely also to spark debate on the challenges of informality and the lack of action aimed at improving the quality of life of Namibians living in poor conditions where desperation and despair are the order of the day. It was out of desperation that this family gambled by erecting their structure in a highly hazardous environment with deficient infrastructure. And although there are no words to describe the anguish being felt by those left behind, it is important that authorities take the plight of shack dwellers seriously, with the ultimate aim of restoring their right to dignity. Until when should our people be allowed to languish in squalor and in the most unpalatable circumstances where they have to contend with flooding, fires, contagious diseases, landslides and other disasters?