Otweya informal settlement

16 Oct

August 26 donates vital supplies to Otweya fire victims

ObserverNational NewsOtweya informal settlement

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a devastating fire at the Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay, which left approximately 200 people homeless and claimed one life, August 26 Holding Company (PTY) Ltd, stepped forward on Wednesday with a donation of food and essential supplies. While the fire victims attempt to recover from the devastating loss of homes and belongings, the government, private sector, and civil society organisations came together to provide relief and plan for more permanent solutions. The relief effort by August 26 was aimed at providing immediate support to the victims and was welcomed by local officials…

Illegal shack congestion blamed for Walvis Bay fire

ObserverNational NewsNamibia Housing Enterprise, Otweya informal settlement

Martin Endjala The illegal congestion of shacks is blamed for the recent fire disaster that left many families homeless in the Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay. On the evening of 4 October, the shack fire which occurred on the premises of the Namibia Housing Enterprise (NHE) destroyed over 70 houses. The aftermath has left about 200 families homeless. Tragically, the fire claimed one life. Festus Immanuel, the spokesperson of the Walvis Bay Backyard Tenants Group (WBTG), said devastating fires in Walvis Bay often occur in illegal structures. “These structures built in the backyards of formal houses or on empty…