Stefanus Nashama
The Katutura Residents Committee (KRC) has called on the City of Windhoek (CoW) to take immediate action and relocate all residents in high-risk flood zones within the Katutura area.
In a letter addressed to CoW’s chief executive officer, Moses Matyayi, on Sunday, the committee spokesperson, Shaun Gariseb, urged for urgent consideration of relocating people who reside in flood-prone areas.
Gariseb highlighted several areas at risk, including Namibia Primary School in Marula/Rykmansdorp, Soder Water in Shandumbala, the Herero location at the intersection of Mungunda and August Tjaapa streets, and the Eiland location.
He stressed that many of the residents live in perilous conditions, beneath electrical power lines and within riverbeds, putting them at significant risk.
“Should we wait until someone is fried or washed away before we act on some of these areas,” he questioned.
Gariseb emphasised the urgency of relocating these individuals before disaster strikes.
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of proactive action from the CoW.
“Had the municipality listened to the cries of the residents and been more proactive, the Otjomuise situation could have been prevented,” he noted.
Gariseb commended the CoW’s recent decision to relocate residents from flood-prone areas in Otjomuise.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the municipality’s emergency and disaster risk management division in responding to the ongoing crisis.
As the rainy season continues, the KRC urges the municipality to act swiftly to safeguard the lives of those living in flood-prone areas of Katutura.
Moses Matyayi, the chief executive officer of CoW, said he has not received the letter in question and is, therefore, unable to provide any comments on its contents.
“I did not receive the letter. I do not know its content. Until we see the document, we are unable to make comments,” he said.
He emphasised the municipality follows established procedures and structures before responding to any matters.
Matyayi explained that the letter would need to be analysed carefully to understand its context and circumstances before any appropriate response can be made.
CoW’s councillor Sade Gawanas expressed concern over the persistent settlement of residents in flood-prone areas, despite the municipality’s ongoing awareness campaigns.
She emphasised that while the city has made continuous efforts to educate the public about the dangers of residing in these hazardous zones, some community members continue to ignore these warnings.
“Despite these efforts, it remains a significant concern that some community members continue to settle in these hazardous areas. This has resulted in tragic incidents, including loss of life and life-threatening situations during flood seasons,” Gawanas stated.
She assured the public that the municipality will not relent in its efforts to engage with and educate the community on the importance of prioritising safety during these times.
The warning comes in the wake of recent flooding that has affected numerous households in Windhoek.
The municipality is urging the public to be more cautious and heed the advice given by local officials to avoid further loss and damage during the rainy season.
