This article addresses President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, highlighting the plight of over 720,000 Namibians living in urban slums. It calls for a shift in governance towards compassion and public service, advocating for a comprehensive plan to eradicate these informal settlements by 2035. The author underscores the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to poverty, discrimination, and inadequate living conditions.
Esteemed President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, it is with considerable anticipation that many Namibians regard your appointment. The general populace is hopeful that your presidency will prioritize compassion and astute governance over self-interest, striving for a government committed to public service and common sense.
The dire state of urban living for over 720,000 Namibians, or one in five citizens, is alarming as you assume office. Many reside in informal shack dwellings, known locally as uumbashu, which have grown significantly from 10,288 in 1991 to 217,069 in 2023, with projections suggesting that by 2025, this number may rise to 257,000.
The living conditions for the residents of these shantytowns are critically inadequate. Most lack basic necessities such as water, electricity, and proper sanitation. Families, often unable to secure land rights, find themselves trapped in poverty, without opportunities to build wealth or improve their living situations, resulting in grave public health risks.
Moreover, the impact of such living conditions extends beyond hygiene, as they often lead to social unrest and crime. Discriminatory policies have created a class divide, designating these individuals as second or third-class citizens in Namibia, contrary to the ideals of equality in the nation’s founding principles.
Despite Namibia’s significant financial resources, poor governance has perpetuated the slum crisis. Public money has been misallocated, with extravagant expenditures on infrastructure that conceals slum areas rather than addressing the root causes. Recent legislative appropriations for land development for low-income families remain largely unutilized.
While certain initiatives aimed at land development have been initiated, the overall efforts have been insufficient to stem the rise of slums, leading to the continued ascent of wealth among the nation’s elite. Namibia possesses the resources needed to eradicate slums, yet lacks the determination to do so effectively.
As you prepare to govern, I urge you to deeply consider the plight of the thousands of Namibians living under deplorable conditions. Establishing a dedicated initiative to eliminate slums by 2035 would be a monumental legacy. This program could provide affordable land for housing, allowing citizens to construct homes tailored to their needs, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and community.
With resolve and ethical governance, turning these informal settlements into well-organized, community-managed areas is not only achievable but essential. Your commitment to this cause could reshape lives and communities across Namibia, deserving of your esteemed title as”Your Excellency, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.” John Mendelsohn passionately advocates for education, rural economies, and land rights.
In summary, the article emphasizes the urgency for President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to prioritize the living conditions of the substantial population residing in urban slums. With a call for meaningful government action focused on public service and development, it highlights the need for sustainable housing solutions and community empowerment. The challenges are formidable, yet overcoming them is essential for both national integrity and the welfare of all Namibians.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
