Swakopmund’s DRC informal settlement faced severe flooding from unusual heavy rains, impacting residents. Calls for urgent infrastructure improvements were expressed by local residents, highlighting the need for better housing conditions and drainage systems. The Swakopmund Municipality has assured ongoing efforts towards affordable housing solutions.
On Wednesday, Swakopmund experienced unprecedented heavy rains, severely flooding the DRC informal settlement, which was the most affected area. Residents diligently worked to protect their homes, yet significant flooding persisted throughout the region, prompting distress among the community.
Caroline Kasenda, a local resident, expressed the critical plight of families, stating that numerous children could not attend school due to urgent home repairs and concerns about navigating flooded streets. She passionately advocated for improved infrastructure, highlighting that the current living conditions are unacceptable, irrespective of the construction quality of shacks.
Jacqueline !Gorases, the proprietor of the Ubuntu Safe Haven Soup Kitchen, reported that the rains significantly impacted her community, with residents forced onto roofs to repair leaks. She is caring for seven children, all impacted by the flooding. She noted that the unexpected heavy rainfall caused frustration among residents, especially with gratitude towards the lack of safe drainage systems in the area.
Many homes in the informal settlement feature structures that block out fog, but their designs are inadequate for heavy rain. Despite the challenges faced, Jacqueline remains optimistic, hoping for sunshine to dry out their homes. She acknowledges the beauty that follows the rain as a silver lining.
In light of these circumstances, the Swakopmund Municipality has acknowledged the issues and pointed to their 2025 plans for improved land and housing solutions, assuring residents that efforts toward affordable housing are underway.
The unexpected heavy rains in Swakopmund have severely affected the DRC informal settlement, illustrating the urgent need for improved infrastructure and drainage systems. Local residents, including Caroline Kasenda and Jacqueline !Gorases, have voiced their concerns regarding the damage and ongoing challenges posed by weather conditions. The Swakopmund Municipality’s commitment to enhancing housing solutions presents a hope for the community’s future stability and safety.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
