This article addresses President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, urging prompt action to tackle the growing urban shack dweller crisis in Namibia. Over 720,000 individuals live in informal settlements, facing deplorable conditions without secure land rights. The need for policies emphasizing public service and social justice is paramount. The writer advocates for a national initiative to eliminate slums by 2035, highlighting Namibia’s potential to improve the lives of its poorest citizens.
In a message to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the writer expresses optimism regarding her leadership, emphasizing the need for compassionate and sensible governance. There is a pressing demand for policies that prioritize public service and address substantial societal issues facing the country. The current governmental focus on self-interest has detracted from resolving critical challenges that affect the populace.
As Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares to assume office, the situation of over 720,000 urban shackdwellers in Namibia warrants her attention. These individuals, residing in tin shacks known as ‘uumbashu’, face dire living conditions without secure land rights or basic services. The increase in informal settlements has escalated alarmingly, from 10,288 in 1991 to 217,069 in 2023, underscoring the urgency for intervention.
Numerous hardships plague these communities, including a lack of infrastructure, education, and health services. Shackdwellers often live in overcrowded conditions, heightening their risk of contagious diseases. The writer laments the moral failure of a nation allowing so many of its citizens to exist in such degradation and contrasts this with Namibia’s capacity for improvement, given its resources.
Despite various housing initiatives, past efforts have proven inadequate, often plagued by mismanagement. The writer points out the lack of meaningful investments in the welfare of low-income families, while public funds are misallocated to superficial solutions. A recent appropriation of N$750 million to improve serviced land has seen little utilization, showcasing the ineffectiveness of current strategies.
Namibia, however, possesses unique advantages, including the means and relatively low number of slum dwellers, to improve the situation significantly. With resolve and proficient governance, it is possible to transform the living conditions of the urban poor. The writer advocates for a national initiative to eliminate slums by 2035, underscoring the importance of providing affordable housing and secure land to foster self-sufficiency and community stability.
The letter concludes with a heartfelt call for the new president to lead with determination and empathy, leaving behind a legacy of improved living conditions for all Namibians. By championing the cause of the marginalized, President Nandi-Ndaitwah can redefine her administration and enhance the nation’s trajectory toward greater equity and prosperity.
In summary, the incoming leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is viewed with optimism, as the need for significant reform in addressing urban poverty and housing insecurity in Namibia becomes increasingly critical. With over 720,000 citizens residing in informal settlements, the country’s current situation underscores the moral imperative for change. By implementing a comprehensive national plan to improve living conditions, particularly for marginalized communities, the new administration has the opportunity to foster equity and progress within Namibia.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
