Heavy rains have led to significant flooding in Swakopmund’s DRC informal settlement, severely impacting residents. Many families struggled to safeguard their homes while children missed school. Urgent infrastructure improvements are needed, as expressed by local residents. The Swakopmund Municipality plans to address these challenges through upcoming housing initiatives.
Recent heavy rains in Swakopmund have caused significant flooding, particularly affecting the DRC informal settlement. Residents worked tirelessly to protect their homes, yet many areas remain inundated. Caroline Kasenda, a local resident, expressed the challenges faced by families, with many children unable to attend school due to water-related issues. She emphasized the urgent need for improved infrastructure, noting that the overall situation is dire for the community.
Jacqueline !Gorases, a soup kitchen operator in the DRC, shared her experiences during this challenging time. Many people were seen repairing leaky roofs, with all seven children in her care having wet beds due to persistent rain. She spoke of the frustration and anger among residents, highlighting the unexpected severity of the downpour after a long dry spell.
Concerns about water getting into electrical boxes add to the residents’ anxiety, as the local roads lack proper drainage systems to manage flooding. Residents typically prepare their shacks to prevent fog intrusion, but the infrequent rain often damages the insulation materials, proving inadequate against heavy rainfall. Despite these hardships, !Gorases remains hopeful for clear weather, anticipating sun to dry their belongings.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the Swakopmund Municipality referred to their future plans for land and housing as part of a 2025 initiative to improve access to affordable homes for the affected communities.
This situation highlights the pressing infrastructural needs of the DRC settlement, where residents face the dual threats of poor living conditions and extreme weather. The collaborative efforts of community members and calls for governmental action are essential for enhancing resilience and support in the face of climate adversity.
The DRC settlement in Swakopmund is facing extreme challenges due to unprecedented heavy rains, leading to flooding and infrastructure damage. Community members are struggling to manage the fallout, with children missing school and homes suffering leaks. Residents are calling for urgent improvements in infrastructure to prevent future disasters. The Municipality’s commitment to addressing these issues through future housing plans is a hopeful response to this ongoing crisis, aiming to enhance the living conditions for the affected population.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
