Heavy rains have caused extensive flooding in Swakopmund’s DRC informal settlement, leading to significant distress among residents. Many children were unable to go to school as families focused on emergency repairs. Calls for improved infrastructure have been made by residents, while the municipality has committed to long-term housing solutions.
Unusually heavy rains have severely impacted the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund, leading to significant flooding. Residents have struggled to protect their homes while many have incurred damage. Caroline Kasenda, a local resident, expressed the devastating nature of the situation, stating that children were unable to attend school as they were occupied with home repairs instead. Kasenda urged the need for improved infrastructure in the area, highlighting that the conditions are dire and require governmental attention.
Jacqueline !Gorases, the owner of Ubuntu Safe Haven Soup Kitchen, also described the flooding’s effect in her area, where residents are attempting repairs on leaky roofs. She mentioned the dire state of many homes, and, similar to Kasenda, expressed her concerns over electrical safety due to water infiltration. !Gorases underscored the lack of drainage in the roads, leading to further complications of floodwaters.
Many residents have constructed temporary homes that are equipped to resist fog but are not resilient against heavy rainfall. Despite their concerns, !Gorases maintains a hopeful outlook, stating, “We are just praying for it to stop, for the sun.” She emphasizes the beauty of resilience within the community and expresses optimism for sunlight following the rains.
The Swakopmund Municipality responded to the situation by referencing their long-term plans focused on housing and land development, assuring the community that efforts to provide affordable housing alternatives are underway. This response aligns with the pressing needs for enhanced living conditions mentioned by the residents.
In conclusion, the recent heavy rains in Swakopmund have led to severe flooding, particularly affecting the DRC settlement. Residents like Caroline Kasenda and Jacqueline !Gorases have highlighted the urgency for better infrastructure and safety measures to protect the community. While there is acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the unexpected rainfall, there remains a sense of hope for recovery and future improvements in living conditions as the local government plans for affordable housing solutions.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
