Rehoboth Block H residents up in arms over no water and electricity

Rehoboth’s Block H residents recently handed over a petition to the town council, in which they raise concerns over the lack of basic services such as water, electricity and a police station.

The petition was signed by over 160 residents who say they have to use candles, due to a lack of electricity, which often causes fires. This is exacerbated by a lack of potable water, which makes it difficult to put out fires.

They also say crime in the area goes unreported as the police stations are too far.

“So far, we have had about seven fires. If our houses burn down, how will we help ourselves when we don’t have any water? We can’t even ask the fire brigade for assistance because in one incident they came without any water. We have two taps in the location, but sometimes there is not even water,” the residents say.

Residents further say they have been complaining to the town council since 2016, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

“It has been years that we have been struggling like this, but nothing changes. We are also human beings like everyone else,” the residents say.

A resident, Salome van Wyk, says the long distance to the nearest police station discourages fellow residents from reporting crimes.

“Most people don’t feel the need to report crimes because they have to walk far to a police station. Residents living here also often don’t have money for transportation to go there. We want to report matters whenever we feel unsafe as this can help to better our town and country. People doing wrongs must be reported,” Van Wyk says.

Deputy mayor Cornvenus Klazen has concurred with the residents.

“These people need the basic services like water, electricity, a sewage system and a nearby police station,” Klazen says.

Klazen says the council has acquired a second fire truck, adding that it will help to solve the fire problem at the town.

Councillor Jacky Khariseb says the council has not forgotten about the residents.

“We need funds to bring services closer to the people. We want the people to know that we have not forgotten about them. It is not like nothing is happening there. Plans for a police station in that area are in place. We have already identified the land and it will be built soon. We have also strengthened the skills and knowledge of the firefighters as they had undergone training in Windhoek,” Khariseb says.

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