A Call to Action for President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah:…

President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership is met with hopeful anticipation by Namibians. The article highlights the plight of 720,000 citizens living in urban shacks, underscoring the urgent need for government initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and addressing systemic inequities. The call to action includes the establishment of a national program to eradicate slums by 2035, focusing on providing secure housing and enhancing community management.

Dear President-elect Meekulu Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, your appointment brings hope to many Namibians, transcending political identities. Citizens are optimistic that your leadership will replace self-serving politics with policies born from compassion and reasoned judgment. Namibia’s government is in dire need of guidance focused on public service, humanity, and practical solutions to pressing issues.

As you transition into your presidential role on March 21, consider the plight of over 720,000 Namibians, about one in five, who reside in urban shacks, known as uumbashu. The alarming rise in urban shantytowns—from 10,288 in 1991 to 217,069 in 2023—illustrates the growing crisis, where many live in dire conditions, without access to essential services like water, electricity, or waste management.

These individuals often lack security over their living conditions, leading to heightened vulnerabilities. Deprived of land ownership, they are unable to develop wealth or improve their situations. Consequently, shack dwellers remain in poverty, facing health risks from diseases thriving in overcrowded, unsanitary environments, and the resulting social challenges contribute to crime and instability.

It is disheartening to note that such inequality exists in a nation rich in resources. Bad governance has led to the pervasive relegation of many citizens to a second-class status. No justifiable reason exists for such contrast, especially when substantial funds have been misappropriated or poorly allocated, evident in instances where public funds prioritize inconsequential projects over addressing critical housing issues.

While housing projects have been initiated, they often fall short of effectively reducing the swell of urban poverty. Despite Namibia’s comparative advantages—its smaller population of slum dwellers and financial resources—the lack of determination and focus from leadership hampers meaningful progress.

President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah, I urge you to contemplate the conditions that a significant portion of your constituents endure each night. Your governance should reflect commitment to ameliorate these dire situations. It is imperative to establish a national initiative aimed at eliminating slums by 2035, providing secure, serviced land at minimal costs to empower individuals to develop homes tailored to their aspirations.

Transforming informal settlements into well-managed community sites can improve living standards. By dedicating resources and reflecting genuine resolve, effective change is achievable, marking your presidency with a legacy of compassion and progress. May you embrace this opportunity with the dedication it demands, earning the respect befitting your esteemed title.

In conclusion, President-elect Meekulu Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the demographic reality of urban shack dwellers in Namibia illustrates an urgent need for reform in your upcoming administration. By prioritizing the establishment of secure, serviced housing and addressing the systemic inequities affecting countless Namibians, your presidency could profoundly reshape the societal landscape. Emphasizing humanitarian policies will not only provide relief to the vulnerable population but will also secure your legacy as a leader of genuine equity and care.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na