Maria David
INDEPENDENT Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Jerobeam Ndaamohamba is among the 800 people who are to be relocated by the Oshakati Town Council to the area of Onawa.
The council on Tuesday kicked off the relocation of the Kalaula location inhabitants and once done they will relocate the residents of Oshaimbangu Solar Plant location.
Relocation of people at Oshoopola Phase 1 will commence on 31 May 2022.
In 2019, the Oshakati Town Council embarked on the first relocation programme whereby over 300 people from the Sky and Eemwandi locations were moved to the Onawa area.
According to Ndaamohamba who has been living in the Kalaula informal area for about four years, the relocation comes at the right time.
“I have indeed suffered for a long time. I am really happy that we are part of the council’s developmental agenda,” he said.
Town Mayor Leonard Hango said a total of 800 people are expected to be relocated to Onawa to pave the way for development in their current areas.
Hango stated that once moved, the council will construct six temporary public toilets to be used by the relocated residents.
“Onawa is currently semi-serviced, with no sewerage lines. However, the council is in the process of securing funds for the construction of a sewer treatment plant and sewerage lines,” he said.
Hango said residents will receive planned, surveyed and properly demarcated erven. They will also be required to pay a minimum N$500 water connection fee and a N$300 water deposit.
“This is a discount payment as the normal connection fees are N$2 820,” he added.
Close to 100 youths were temporarily employed for the dismantling of the zinc structures and reconstruction of the same structures at Onawa.
Some of the youths were employed to dig trenches for pipes and connect it to the water system.
“Council decided not to outsource the work from private companies to avoid unnecessary high rates for the construction cost,” he said.
Hango added that is being done as the council is dealing with limited funds due to resources at its disposal.
