WALVIS BAY — Residents of the Otweya informal settlement, where a recent fire destroyed numerous homes and resulted in one fatality, are voicing their fears over the precariousness of their living conditions. In a district still reeling from the calamity, the community faces ongoing uncertainty about their safety and future.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Herman Fillipus, a local resident whose temporary shelter of plastic and sacks stands mere meters from the remains of the burnt-down shacks, shared the palpable anxiety gripping the community. "We live in constant fear of losing our belongings, just like our fellow community members did, because these structures are highly prone to fire. We may have survived this time, but the same could happen to us tomorrow," Fillipus explained. He further expressed his frustration with the local government's approach: "We do not want to live here, but we have nowhere else to go. The municipality is not offering any solutions, just threats that they will take action against us for staying here illegally."

The Walvis Bay Municipality has been resolute in its stance against the illegal settlement at the Otweya site, which they claim contributes to the frequency of shack fires and the associated dangers. Following the blaze that obliterated about 80 informal structures on land claimed by the National Housing Enterprise (NHE), the council has underscored that the prohibition on building more permanent homes aims to curtail such risks. It has been disclosed that some of the shacks were owned by individuals who possess homes elsewhere in Walvis Bay or other areas and were renting them out at high rates.

In the aftermath of the fire, at least 70 non-Namibians were among those significantly impacted. The municipality is planning collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security to strategize on addressing this issue. In an interview, Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes emphasized the critical need for proper land management and the urgency to discourage unlawful land occupations. "This tragic fire highlights the importance of responsible land use. We urge landowners to begin developing their plots to prevent further illegal settlements," stated Forbes. He also mentioned that the council would take immediate steps to assist those affected and tackle the underlying problems leading to such incidents.

In the interim, fire victims have received contributions of mattresses, blankets, and other essentials from various regional organizations, offering some relief to the distressed residents.