Outjo: The youth residing in the informal settlements of Outjo have voiced a lack of hope in participating in the upcoming regional councils and local authority elections, citing neglect and inadequate service delivery by their leaders.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the youth expressed their disappointment with the municipality of Outjo and its council, noting the absence of any visible change in the informal settlements. Albertino Haigab, a resident of the Soweto informal settlement, lamented the persistent neglect and lack of improvement, highlighting the lack of basic amenities such as toilets and electricity. He pointed out that residents resort to using the bush for sanitation purposes and navigate through heaps of garbage on the streets.

Freedom Uirab, another youth, expressed his unwillingness to vote this year, citing unfulfilled promises by leaders. Despite living in the area all his life, he has not witnessed significant changes and remains disillusioned by the inaction of authorities. Similarly, Matheus Johannes from Ehangano informal settlement criticized the persistent suffering in informal settlements and expressed his desire for new leaders to focus on water and sanitation, although he plans to vote despite his skepticism.

In response, Samuel Oe-Amseb, Swapo Councillor and Chairperson of the management committee for the Outjo municipality, asserted that the council has made substantial improvements in Outjo. He noted that despite residents owing the municipality a considerable amount of money that could aid town development, the council has initiated projects like the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) computer center to assist unemployed youth. However, Oe-Amseb pointed out a lack of engagement from the youth in taking advantage of these services.

Oe-Amseb also mentioned other developments such as the construction of the Legacy Centre, which includes a hall, clinic, library, and police station, aimed at enhancing service delivery. He acknowledged issues with community taps, attributing their malfunction to outdated infrastructure and vandalism, which incurs significant costs for the municipality. Emphasizing the importance of voting, Oe-Amseb urged the youth not to forgo their democratic right and to use their vote to elect representatives who can address their needs.