Maria David
FOR too long, the community in Okahandja residing in informal settlements have endured inadequate access to basic amenities, facing daily challenges that hinder their quality of life.
This has now become a thing of the past after the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of essential services such as water, sewer, and electricity in the informal settlements of our community.
Minister Erastus Uutoni said that it is our collective obligation as a government, local authorities, and community to jointly address these disparities and ensure that every citizen, regardless of their circumstances, has access to essential services fundamental to human dignity and well-being.
According to Uutoni, the provision of water, sewer, and electricity services is not merely about infrastructure; it is about empowering communities, fostering resilience, and enabling opportunities for growth and prosperity.
“Access to clean water will improve health outcomes and sanitation standards, while reliable electricity will enhance educational opportunities, create economic avenues, and improve overall living conditions,” he said.
Moreover, Uutoni indicated that Ekunde Extensions 4 and 5 are new townships for ultra-low-income residents in Okahandja, with 306 and 287 erven respectively, and both extensions have been laid out and proclaimed.
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated funding to the value of N$7.5 million for the execution of the project in the financial year 2023/2024 for informal settlement infrastructure development upgrading.
He indicated that water connections will be provided to all 593 erven, sewer connections will be provided for all 593 erven and collected at a low point on the site. The sewer will then be pumped to the existing ponds or to an existing sewer line.
“Electrical Installation is done by Contractors appointed by CENORED. Electrical construction has commenced in the year 2023 and will be done in phases occurring to the availability of funds over the following years till the whole extensions are electrified. Electricity will be provided to all 593 ervens connected to an existing mainline,” he added.
Uutoni then reaffirmed their shared recognition and resolve, collectively as a nation and individually as caring citizens, that all citizens of the country have a right to proper water and sanitation.
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