Windhoek: 'We are tired of doing number two in buckets,' a resident of Hakahana in Windhoek said on Thursday, capturing mounting frustration among Moses ||Garo«b community members as they prepare to vote in the 2025 regional councils and local authorities elections.

According to Namibia Press Agency, residents interviewed said they expect the next constituency councillor to prioritise sanitation, water reliability, road upgrades and stronger engagement with the community. Many said they seldom see their leaders outside election season, despite ongoing challenges in informal settlements such as Hakahana and Havana.

A 53-year-old resident, who described herself as a long-time voter, stated that the incoming councillor must 'know the needs of the public' and remain visible throughout the year. 'We see them during elections, then nothing. We want a councillor who calls meetings, checks on sewage, drainage and maintenance,' she said. She added that most households still use buckets as toilets and live in riverbeds exposed to foul smells, flies and flooding. 'We are tired. We walk far for water, we eat with smells from the riverbed. That must change.'

Several residents also expressed disappointment with political parties. At Havana Fourway, vendors raised fears about possible relocation due to upcoming road works. 'We have families to feed. If they chase us away, where do we go?' asked elderly vendor Joseph Nashilongo, who also appealed for toilets, electricity and safer roads. Fellow vendor Theresia Ugwanga said they have used riverbeds as toilets 'for years,' adding, 'We don't have electricity or proper sanitation. It is not a joke.'

Timoteus Hailombe, a youth representative in the constituency, said informal settlement residents feel 'uncounted,' but acknowledged recent improvements. 'We now have some lights, though not enough. Our clinic works longer hours and the district hospital opened. We thank the councillor, but more change is needed,' he said. Havana resident Sarafia Haimbodi welcomed electricity and water but called for accelerated housing development. 'We want houses, street names, erf numbers and more schools,' she said, adding that she intends to vote early 'for peace and stability.'

The Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections are scheduled for 26 November 2025.