Residents of Warmbad took action Monday by protesting through their streets. They feel both the government and the Bondelswarts Traditional Authority have forgotten about their settlement located in the //Kharas region. Charles Laberloth, speaking for the group, says people living in communal areas can't access clean water during daylight hours. They must stay awake until 2 AM just to collect tiny amounts of water.
The community used to receive water every other day during the week, but that hardly happens anymore. Laberloth expressed deep frustration with the management situation at Warmbad. He compared it to experiencing the Odendaal Plan again under a different government. He described the feeling as painful because the settlement had been ignored for years by officials they trusted.
For those unfamiliar, the Odendaal Plan created separate territories in Namibia where different ethnic groups lived under unequal development rules. Buildings given by private citizens, plus those under government care, face ownership fights that block community progress. The protesters mentioned the AK Business Centre, also called the Yellow Building, where they claim the traditional authority fights with the chiefs' council over who controls it.
Franka Severin reportedly donated this building to help local economic development. It once housed a needlework project that has since shut down. Laberloth believes the traditional authority made money from renting the building but shared nothing with the community. The residents want the government to step in and resolve who actually owns the center.
The restaurant at Warmbad Hot Springs Lodge remains damaged after a storm wrecked its roof over a year ago. Laberloth states the //Kharas Regional Council should take care of this building. Many reports went from the settlement office to the council office, but nobody responded or fixed anything.
Hans Jossop serves as senior councilor of the Bondelswarts Traditional Authority. He confirmed they do indeed control the AK Business Centre. However, he denied making any money from rental agreements. Instead, he pointed fingers at the Bondelswarts royal house. He mentioned a long-running chieftainship succession dispute causing problems, with actions taken against customary law by people claiming royal status.
Hendrik Christiaan represents the royal house and completely denies any connection to rental agreements for the building. He asked for a meeting with everyone involved to address these concerns. He firmly stated they knew nothing about leasing that building or any activities happening there.
Carlos Cloete heads the rural water supply and sanitation directorate for the region. He acknowledges that Warmbad residents face serious water problems. He explains that some areas have salty water, forcing people to travel elsewhere for drinking water. The government plans a desalination plant to address this issue. His department also considers adding small pipe connections to ensure everyone can access clean water.
Ralph Sachika is the chief regional officer for the //Kharas Regional Council. He told a local TV station that the council does not officially control the lodge. He explained that they had previously arranged a partnership between the community and an investor to manage the facility. That partnership agreement expired, causing the facility to deteriorate. The council is looking for solutions, possibly by forming a new partnership with Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
The community used to receive water every other day during the week, but that hardly happens anymore. Laberloth expressed deep frustration with the management situation at Warmbad. He compared it to experiencing the Odendaal Plan again under a different government. He described the feeling as painful because the settlement had been ignored for years by officials they trusted.
For those unfamiliar, the Odendaal Plan created separate territories in Namibia where different ethnic groups lived under unequal development rules. Buildings given by private citizens, plus those under government care, face ownership fights that block community progress. The protesters mentioned the AK Business Centre, also called the Yellow Building, where they claim the traditional authority fights with the chiefs' council over who controls it.
Franka Severin reportedly donated this building to help local economic development. It once housed a needlework project that has since shut down. Laberloth believes the traditional authority made money from renting the building but shared nothing with the community. The residents want the government to step in and resolve who actually owns the center.
The restaurant at Warmbad Hot Springs Lodge remains damaged after a storm wrecked its roof over a year ago. Laberloth states the //Kharas Regional Council should take care of this building. Many reports went from the settlement office to the council office, but nobody responded or fixed anything.
Hans Jossop serves as senior councilor of the Bondelswarts Traditional Authority. He confirmed they do indeed control the AK Business Centre. However, he denied making any money from rental agreements. Instead, he pointed fingers at the Bondelswarts royal house. He mentioned a long-running chieftainship succession dispute causing problems, with actions taken against customary law by people claiming royal status.
Hendrik Christiaan represents the royal house and completely denies any connection to rental agreements for the building. He asked for a meeting with everyone involved to address these concerns. He firmly stated they knew nothing about leasing that building or any activities happening there.
Carlos Cloete heads the rural water supply and sanitation directorate for the region. He acknowledges that Warmbad residents face serious water problems. He explains that some areas have salty water, forcing people to travel elsewhere for drinking water. The government plans a desalination plant to address this issue. His department also considers adding small pipe connections to ensure everyone can access clean water.
Ralph Sachika is the chief regional officer for the //Kharas Regional Council. He told a local TV station that the council does not officially control the lodge. He explained that they had previously arranged a partnership between the community and an investor to manage the facility. That partnership agreement expired, causing the facility to deteriorate. The council is looking for solutions, possibly by forming a new partnership with Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
