Africa-Press – Namibia. At least 250 residents are enduring harsh living conditions on the outskirts of Uis at an informal area known as Xoboxobos.
The small mining community resorted to this lifestyle to feed their families. The residents, who have been without water for the past two weeks, were recently visited by Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses.
She expressed concern over their living conditions and vowed to intervene.
Most of the residents survive by mining and selling semi-precious stones.
They live in makeshift corrugated iron shacks without proper shelter or basic services. “We came here to avoid becoming thieves, but because of the hardship, people are being forced back into crime,” a resident, Mutilifa Lazarus, told New Era.
He said they struggle to access medical care and water. “Some of us need chronic medication. We need a mobile clinic once a week or twice a month. We cannot afford to buy water all the time. We don’t have relatives here, and when we don’t have money, we cannot get water on credit. People came here to earn a living, but we are still suffering,” he said.
Currently, community members buy five litres of water for N$25 from a businessman who drives in from Uis, as there is no water source in Xoboxobos.
During her first official outreach to the area, /Goagoses described the living conditions as unacceptable.
“We have over 260 families without water for five years – it is unacceptable,” she said.
“Water is life and a fundamental right. I am going to solve this water problem with the officials who are on the payroll of the government,” /Goagoses added.
She said her mandate is to ensure all Namibians receive basic services, hence officials must act swiftly.
“My role is to ensure that all Namibians are provided with basic services. If there are challenges, they must be reported to the governor’s office so that they are addressed,” she said.
The governor said she will work with the regional council to bring temporary relief.
“I will instruct the regional council to provide water immediately. We will also work to bring pre-primary or small school facilities and ensure mobile health services reach this community,” she said.
Capacity building
/Goagoses promised capacity-building programmes so residents can benefit fairly from mining activities in the area.
“I am going to get experts to train you so that you are empowered to lead your community and sell your stones at market-related prices. We cannot give away our resources for peanuts. Article 100 of the Constitution is clear: resources belong to the State, and the State is you, the people,” she said.
She then encouraged residents to take part in the upcoming elections.
“Your vote is your voice. Stand up early and go vote for the leader of your choice,” she said.
Chief regional officer Sam Ntelamo told New Era that a water truck was dispatched to the camp following the governor’s visit.
He said the council is exploring a long-term solution, which will include determining how many similar small-scale mining camps in the region need water.
He said Xoboxobos was never intended to be a permanent settlement.
However, as more miners arrived, the demand for water became more urgent.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
