Residents of Tses village in the ||Kharas region say they are tired of travelling 80 kilometres to Keetmanshoop to access basic services like fuel, using automated teller machines (ATMs)to withdraw money and buy clothing and other necessary items. Residents held a protest on Friday to demonstrate their unhappiness with the lack of socio-economic development at Tses village.
They want convenience stores and ATMs brought closer to them.
Community spokesperson Margareth Basson says the residents also have a need for a public library, Namcol classes during school holidays and facilities to buy prepaid electricity after-hours.
“We feel that Tses village has gone backwards instead of going forward and developing. We the residents who are voting people into offices to bring us services to make our lives comfortable are paying a heavy price,” says Basson.
Another resident Fransina !Auchas says they pay N$100 for a lift to Keetmanshoop because not everyone has their own transport.
!Auchas says those with vehicles also pay others when they request to bring along a jerry-can of petrol or diesel.
“What is most heartbreaking is when you didn’t have money to buy electricity during working hours you will sleep in a dark house because there is no service station or supermarket where you can buy electricity after hours.
“No. We cannot continue like this. We want leaders who can facilitate these basic services. Because why did we vote for them? For them to travel in council cars free of charge while we have to pay to have access to these facilities,” she says.
The protestors also accuse the village council administration of maladministration, irregular tender awards and undermining the authority of elected councillors and questioned the leadership of the council’s chief executive officer, Frits Christiaan and demanded for his immediate removal.
“We are concerned about the alleged absence of the village secretary from the office without valid leave approved by the local authority councillors. This situation undermines the authority of elected representatives, whom the community has mandated to address human development, poverty, unemployment, inequality and the challenges we’re talking about today,” reads the petition.
Christiaan rejected the allegations levelled against him.
“These are wild and unsubstantiated accusations,” says Christiaan.
Tses Village Council Chairperson Lena Areas received the petition and said the council was aware of some of the issues raised.
“Some of the issues you have mentioned are known to us, and we are addressing them. For the others rest assured that the petition has been received and will be dealt with through the appropriate channels,” Araes says.
