Arandis TC services unsatisfactory | nbc

A tense community meeting unfolded at Arandis this week as residents continued to demand land and housing.

The gathering got off to a shaky start as residents initially refused to enter the community hall where discussions were scheduled to take place.

Residents of Arandis streamed to the Arandis community hall to attend a meeting called by the town council.

At first, the residents temporarily boycotted the meeting as they were asked to make a payment of N$1,500 for the venue.

This resulted in them holding the meeting under a tree, which they called their “headquarters,” until the governor intervened.

During the meeting, Arandis Concerned Group leader Helena Orus threatened to occupy land illegally if all their issues of land and housing were not addressed.

Orus says they were tired of renting costly dwellings.

“We are in a country whereby our brothers and sisters have died for this country in the fight for independence. Therefore we want land. If we cannot come to an agreement in two days times, shacks will be developed in this town.”

Erongo Governor Neville Andre also expressed dissatisfaction with the service rendered by the Arandis Town Council to the community, as well as poor communication and customer service.

“I was very disappointed when I was listening to all the challenges and problems that are coming from the communities. One thing that I have seen or observed and I should say to the Arandis town Council, your customer service is poor. Please speak to your people, please be yourselves, and avail yourselves to the residents. Don’t sit in the offices, speak to the people make time for the people that is why we have this problem today.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Arandis Town Council, Stanley Norris explained how the council intends to address the land and housing issues.

“The council wants to give a dignified way for its residents, not undignified in other words there is no potable water, there is no electricity, and there can be an outbreak of different diseases that can infect everyone now you have asked a lot of questions related to land grabbing the occupations of structure on land that is not allocated it is illegal to contract that.”