Stefanus Nashama
Residents of the Havana informal settlement in Windhoek heckled the minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the five high mast lights project on Tuesday.
Uutoni was the keynote speaker at the event.
“We’re not happy. We also want free wifi. We want the network. When will you also bring these services?” the residents shouted.
While the crowd shouted these questions, Uutoni demanded that the people listen to him.
“Wait, I am speaking. You have been here, you did not call us for a meeting. We called you here to celebrate. Listen to me, it is my time, not yours. All of us have to celebrate,” he pleaded.
Uutoni explained to the residents that not everything can be the exact way they want it but added that there is always one or two things to celebrate.
“Other things are challenging here and there, but life goes on,” he said.
In an attempt to get the residents’ attention, Uutoni blamed the media for not effectively disseminating information to the residents on some developmental projects and houses built at the informal settlement.
“Media, now, you see, this should be blamed on you because you are not disseminating information that is supposed to be known by the public,” he said.
Uutoni informed the residents that, through the ministry’s budgetary allocation, the government fully funds the high mast lights project.
“Installing the five high mast lights will cost N$2 868 750.00, including the power supplies to all the sites. Completion of the projection is expected to be by the end of July 2024,” said Uutoni.
He explained that for the 2024–2025 financial year, the government committed to providing financial support to co-fund electrification initiatives with the City of Windhoek.
Uutono further revealed that the Windhoek municipality is at an advanced stage of electrifying the following areas: Okahandja Park B & C, Kilimandjaro-Okuryangava, and Havana ext. 1.
Uutoni anticipates the completion of this project by the end of August 2024.
Lighting has been a problem in the informal settlement, with some residents falling victim to criminals at night.
Residents from the area questioned the government’s decision to constantly do groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects during an election year.
A resident in the area, Jacon Shipandeni, questioned whether these activities were a campaign strategy by the ruling party to gain votes.
He said they have been living in darkness for many years.
“We do not oppose any development or progress made by our government. However, we have questions regarding these projects. Why is the government only recognising the need to do so during this election period?” Shipandeni questioned.
He added that although the government was aware of the needs of the people in the informal settlement, it could have addressed them in previous years.
“I believe this is accompanied by manipulation and political campaigns. It’s high time the government realised that people are now more aware and can see through everything. Such projects should be implemented without targeting election time,” he said.
Another resident, Panduleni Iita, who has been in Havana for over 15 years, added that the government could have initiated numerous projects in the past, but it chose to wait until the time of the election.
“The issue with our leaders is that they only engage with the people during election time. While we appreciate the progress of their projects, this level of engagement should be consistent and ongoing, rather than just during elections. This is why we have many questions,” he said.
Iita stressed the distinction between government services and political parties’ campaigns.
“You won’t see them in Rocky Crest or Academia because they know people have jobs, houses, electricity, and water. But here they are, claiming to be committed to addressing the needs of the people during election time. We are not blind,” he emphasised.
“It is the responsibility of the government to consistently implement projects,” he added.
Nestor Kalola, the councillor for the Samora Machel constituency, explained that the projects are not political gimmicks.
“Projects such as high mast lights have been part of my office’s proposal since 2021 when I assumed office. They are unrelated to political campaigns and focused on development. Some people always try to create issues,” said Kalola.
He explained that his office secured an additional N$1.5 million from the Khomas regional council to purchase additional high mast lights for the constituency areas.
Kalola claims that several projects are in the pipeline and are awaiting implementation, subject to the availability of funds.
“It is our responsibility as leaders to implement developmental projects. We would be failing in our duty if we did not do it. People should understand that there are many projects in the pipeline. I have been advocating for the residents to have access to better lighting,” he stressed.
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Social Services did the groundbreaking for a new 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital project in the same informal settlement.
