Otjiwarongo single quarters' residents oppose relocation
OTJIWARONGO – The occupants of single quarters’ houses at Otjiwarongo have expressed their unhappiness at the municipality’s plans to relocate them to the newly-proclaimed Camp Five, saying it’s too far.
Camp Five is situated about 10 kilometres southeast of Otjiwarongo, and has 3 000 residential plots.
The occupants of the single quarters who face relocation told Nampa on Tuesday that they are against the municipality’s decision as the new area is situated far from their workplaces, schools, hospitals, shops and other services.
They indicated that they would rather move to vacant land near the military base, or next to the Orwetoveni cemetery. Daphine Khanuxas (40), said her family will only vacate their house if the municipality builds them a brick house like the one she lives in at the moment.
“As much as you talk bad about the single quarters as congested, inhabitable and unhygienic, for us it is home,” she stressed. Another resident, 50-year-old Fred Sawab, said he owns a garage at the single quarters where he repairs cars, and moving would mean losing his regular clients.
Albertina Nahole (45), a resident since 1996, said moving would mean she would have to start her life over completely, while 40-year-old Irene Ushona suggested that the municipality improves the toilet facilities at the single quarters instead of forcing her to move.
Otjiwarongo mayor Gottlieb Shivute on Tuesday issued a media statement, indicating plans to relocate single quarters’ residents in order to decongest the 30 houses belonging to the municipality.
He said the 120 families occupying the houses are all tenants of the municipality, meaning they do not have a say in how the area should be decongested.
The municipality plans to sell the single quarters’ houses to the highest bidders at reserve prices of N$90 000, with preference given to the current occupants.
“We are firm in our resolve, and we will not tire in providing decent costreflective services to our residents,” noted Shivute.