Residents at Omugulugwombashe Informal Settlement at Usakos want political parties to provide basic necessities such as water, electricity, and jobs once they are elected into office.
Most residents there are registered voters who are eager to go to the polls. They are hoping that the outcome of the election will bring development to their settlement.
Other residents expressed frustration, saying the neighbouring town of Karibib is developing faster than Usakos.
Four political parties, namely Swapo, UDF, IPC, and PDM, currently run the affairs of the town council.
These parties, through their manifestos, promised to solve problems in informal settlements and job scarcity.
Recently appointed Usakos Chief Executive Officer Lesley Goreseb said the council is busy formalising the Omugulugwombashe settlement with the bulk infrastructure project already underway.
“It could be as fast as before the end of this year where we will put in prepaid meters, if everything goes well because of the funding issue. We have requested more funds because the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development only gave us money for bulk infrastructure that goes underground.”
Goreseb noted that Erongo Red has budgeted N$10 million to electrify the two informal settlements at Usakos.
He denied the allegations that the post office and Pep Stores are closing down, further explaining that the council is focused on industrialisation.
“What we want to do is give, which is to attract industrial manufacturing to Usakos. We have been in consultation with the Namibia Investment Promotion Board, where we are going to consult with them on how to attract businesses that are doing manufacturing and that are doing other industrial development projects so that we can create jobs for the people.”
The CEO urged residents to be patient with the council’s plans.