Mariental: The Mariental Residents Association (MRA), backed by local residents, submitted a petition to Mariental Mayor Ethel Isaacks, expressing dissatisfaction with the operations of the town's municipality.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the association's petition opposes the planned construction of new municipal offices, which is estimated to cost N.dollars 80 million. The MRA argues that these funds should instead be allocated to community development projects that directly benefit the residents.
The petition also addresses the relocation of residents from Extensions 2 and 3 to Extension 5, an area described as a former dumpsite. The affected communities claim that this move poses health risks and has disrupted their livelihoods. They allege they were forced to rebuild their homes using damaged materials at their own expense, while some residents experienced damage to personal property during recent floods. These damages are attributed to alleged negligence by municipal contractors.
Werner von Watzdorf, chairperson of the MRA and spokesperson for the group, stated that affected residents have not received any assistance despite their losses. He emphasized that residents are reconstructing their homes with damaged materials and receiving no support, which he claims is in direct violation of Namibian laws.
The MRA also demanded that the council ensure the accessibility of council meeting minutes and monthly reports to residents, as mandated by paragraph 16 of the Local Authorities Act, Act 23 of 1992. Furthermore, the petition highlights the failure to swear in Von Watzdorf as a council member, despite a directive from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) issued on 04 December 2025, confirming his election and scheduling his swearing-in for 05 December 2025. The association seeks clarity on this issue.
Von Watzdorf's swearing-in as the first MRA candidate to join the local authority council was delayed due to an internal power struggle within the MRA. On Wednesday, he emphasized that the association was established out of concern for residents rather than political ambition. He remarked that the founders of the MRA were not politicians and did not aspire to be, but they could not ignore the ongoing struggles of residents under a municipality that overlooks their well-being.
Upon receiving the petition, Mayor Isaacks informed the group that the municipality would provide a response within five days.