Stefanus Nashama
Victims of stormwater flooding in Windhoek two weeks ago and who were recently relocated to Farm 508, situated behind the Goreangab informal settlement, will soon have access to essential services, including schools, a clinic, and a police station.
Samora Machel Constituency councillor, Nestor Kalola confirmed this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer over the weekend.
“The construction of the clinic, police station, and schools is in progress,” he said.
He said the site for the new services was handed over to the contractor by the Khomas Regional Council on January 9, and work has begun.
Kalola added that land clearing for these facilities is already underway.
According to Kalola, displaced residents have received water and toilets to meet some of their immediate needs.
Despite these efforts, some residents have raised concerns about the distance their children must travel to access schools.
Flood victim Josua Iitana has proposed a tented school for the children as a temporary solution.
“We are not asking for secondary education services; we are concerned about primary education for our children, as they have to walk long distances to reach their schools,” Iitana said.
Iitana suggested that the government could employ unemployed teachers and graduates to help meet these educational needs.
Martha Onesmus, another relocated resident, shared her frustration about the difficulty of accessing healthcare.
“Walking from Farm 508 to seek medical attention is frustrating. If you’re not feeling well, you have to travel to Okapale, which is far,” she said.
Onesmus also brought up the high cost of transportation, especially for those who take a taxi away from the farm.
She proposed that a mobile clinic could serve as an immediate solution to healthcare access.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, also acknowledged the importance of health services for the people.
“The provision of health services to any community is determined based on the need. The situation on the ground dictates whether a fixed health facility or mobile services are necessary,” he explained.
Shangula added that a site has already been identified for the health services, and infrastructure will be put in place to meet the community’s needs.
