Stefanus Nashama
The Khomas Regional Council has allocated N$3 million to install five overhead lights at the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek.
This was confirmed on Thursday by Samora Machel Constituency Councillor Nestor Kalola.
Kalola explained that the program to provide lighting for residents in the area was proposed last year, but it could not be implemented due to a lack of funds.
“I have submitted a proposal for the project at the Windhoek Municipality since last year, but there was no money available. Fortunately, the Khomas Regional Council made the N$3 million available for the project,” he said.
Currently, a single headlamp serves the settlement and illuminates the nearby Okapale location.
According to Kalola, work on connecting the second, already-installed lights began on Wednesday.
He said that early next year is when we expect to install the remaining lights.
“The City of Windhoek is responsible for installing the lights. It depends on them, but very soon the situation will improve,” Kalola said.
He emphasised that the installation of overhead lights is not only aimed at providing illumination but also enhancing safety in the settlement.
“With proper lighting, he said, it will be easier to identify and apprehend individuals who commit crimes at night.
“The lighting will help catch criminals, and residents should have confidence that we are working hard to deliver on all our planned projects,” he said.
Kalola also encouraged those awarded tenders for the project to ensure they delivered quality work that benefitted the community rather than focusing solely on financial gain.
“Sometimes, those who receive tenders exploit the government by not ensuring that the job is done efficiently and effectively,” he stressed.
Residents of the Goreangab and Havana informal settlements have recently reported an increase in crime, particularly during the night.
Robbery incidents have been common, forcing victims to surrender valuables like phones, laptops, and money and, in some cases, stabbing them in the process.
Joseph Kamati, a resident of Goreangab, expressed that the lack of proper lighting had contributed to the rise in crime.
“With the lights available, it will be easier to see who is doing what,” Kamati said.
He further explained the area had been dark for many years, which had made it a hotspot for criminal activity.
“You can’t walk alone at night. You will find them (criminals) there,” he added.
The introduction of headlamps is expected to improve safety for the residents of Goreangab, offering both illumination and enhanced security.
The City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya, confirmed the launch of the project in May 2023 to install high-mast lights in various informal settlements.
“The program is in various sites within Windhoek’s informal settlements,” she said.
Amutenya clarified that the project has received funding from the central government through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, despite her inability to confirm Kalola’s N$3 million budget figure.
According to a report by the City of Windhoek, the government has allocated a budget of N$2,868,750.00 for headlamps in the informal settlements.
The minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni, also announced this at the high-mast light launch.
The project was expected to be completed by July 2024.
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