By: Annakleta Haikera
Some residents of Rundu are calling for urgent improvements to roads, sewerage infrastructure and environmental cleanliness, saying poor service delivery continues to affect their daily lives and pose health risks.
The calls come as residents of Satotwa on Friday raised concerns over a long-standing sewage crisis that has left stagnant wastewater flowing through parts of the settlement.
Speaking to The Villager Newspaper, residents said the overflowing sewage has damaged roads, produced a foul smell and created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, threatening the health and safety of the community.
Resident Ndinelao Eino warned that residents may be forced to relocate if the problem is not addressed by the end of July.
She said the situation in Satotwa reflects broader challenges facing many parts of Rundu, where deteriorating roads, blocked drainage systems, littering and sewerage spillages continue to frustrate communities.
Another resident, Albertina Nairenge, urged the Rundu Town Council to prioritise road maintenance, upgrade ageing sewerage infrastructure and strengthen waste management services to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
She argued that rapid population growth has increased pressure on existing infrastructure, making it necessary for authorities to invest more in public services and urban development.
Daniel Tjinyundu stressed that clean surroundings, functioning sewerage systems and accessible roads are essential for public health, economic activity and the overall well-being of communities.
The headman of Satotwa, Timothy Hausiku, said the standing sewage water has reportedly claimed the lives of two minors, noting that the affected area is located near a school
Hausiku further indicated that five households in the area have been affected by sewage water.
He said one resident has been forced to move out of her home, while others remain indoors to prevent their children from playing in or drinking the contaminated water due to the possible health risks.
He gave the Rundu Town Council until the end of July to address the sewage crisis, warning that residents would be forced to relocate if no action is taken.
“We are suffering; mosquitoes are biting us, sewage water is flowing into our houses, and we can hardly breathe because of the terrible smell,” Hausiku.
Residents accused local leaders of ignoring their repeated complaints and failing to protect the community from the ongoing health and environmental risks
When contacted for comment, Rundu Urban Constituency Councillor, Stefanus Sinonge, said he would engage residents through a meeting to discuss their concerns.
Sinonge further revealed that he is scheduled to meet with the Mayor and other stakeholders to determine the way forward regarding the situation.
He noted that many residents across Rundu have raised similar concerns and assured the community that authorities are listening and working towards addressing the challenges.
Sinonge also urged residents to remain vigilant against thieves who continue to steal electricity cables and other infrastructure materials intended for development projects, including boreholes in informal settlements.
Speaking during the State of the Region Address (SORA) on 10 July, Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka acknowledged that rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on infrastructure and service delivery in the region
Among the priorities highlighted by Hambyuka were the expansion and improvement of water infrastructure to meet growing demand, upgrading roads and sanitation systems, addressing housing and urban development pressures, and improving service delivery in rapidly growing settlements and communities.
The Rundu Town Council has yet to publicly respond to the latest demands, but residents say they will continue engaging authorities until lasting solutions are implemented.
