Anonymous Interview: Challenges Faced by the Community in Havana, Windhoek: A Closer Look at Municipal Services, Healthcare, and Unemployment

November 18, 2024 – Havana, Windhoek

Life in Havana, a settlement located in the outskirts of Windhoek, presents its residents with a range of challenges, many of which stem from systemic issues that persist despite promises from political parties and government institutions. Living in a community where resources are scarce, Anonymous X Hakahana—a local resident—shared valuable insights into the everyday struggles faced by the people in Havana, shedding light on public health services, municipal infrastructure, housing, unemployment, and education.

Healthcare Access: A Mixed Experience

According to Anonymous X Hakahana, the health services in the area are generally good, with clinics providing support to the local population. However, there are notable concerns. Though the nurses provide care, they sometimes start their shifts later than expected, causing delays for patients who have to wait longer for attention. Hakahana pointed out that while elderly residents are given priority and the necessary medications are mostly available, some patients may be sent to larger clinics if they don’t arrive early enough. Additionally, patients often receive generic versions of medicines instead of branded ones, which is a point of contention for many.

Municipal Services: Water Shortages and Poor Waste Management

One of the most pressing issues in Havana is the lack of reliable water supply. The area, specifically Habitat 2, has a population of about 120 people, many of whom rely on pensions or do not have steady incomes. The scarcity of water is exacerbated by the inconsistent water supply, with some parts of the location receiving water only at night—sometimes between 2 and 3 AM. This disrupts daily life, forcing residents to collect water late at night to ensure they have enough for the following day.

The problem doesn’t end with water; Hakahana highlights the state of sanitation and waste management in the area. There are limited garbage collection points, and it can take up to two months before the municipality addresses the waste accumulation, which poses health risks, particularly in the community’s children. Garbage areas often remain uncleaned, and a recent incident of a rally being held in an unkempt area underscores the neglect.

Housing Crisis: A Generation Without Homes

Affordable housing remains a major issue for many residents in Havana. Despite government promises of affordable housing, Hakahana reveals that there has been little to no progress over the last few decades. Many young adults, including Hakahana, continue to live with their parents due to the unaffordability of decent housing. Some manage to rent elsewhere if they are lucky, but homeownership remains out of reach for the majority. For those unable to afford rent, informal settlements like Havana provide some semblance of shelter, but the reality is that many residents are still landless.

Unemployment: A Cycle of Desperation

Perhaps one of the most significant issues affecting Havana is unemployment. Hakahana describes a dire situation where most young people have no employment opportunities. As a result, many young men in the area turn to substance abuse, drug dealing, or other illegal activities in an attempt to make ends meet. This lack of opportunities is compounded by the heavy reliance on pensions for household income, which leaves little room for anything beyond basic survival.

The absence of available jobs has resulted in a societal decline, with young people either sitting idle or engaging in illicit activities. Hakahana also points out that the current employment landscape requires knowing the right people to even have a chance at securing work. The lack of proper job opportunities for youth has severely affected their prospects, driving many to despair.

Education: A Lack of Extra-Curricular Opportunities

The local schools in Havana are underperforming, with basic academic offerings but limited extracurricular activities. Hakahana notes that while schools in more affluent areas like Eros offer sports programs and other activities like kiddie Olympics or rugby, schools in Havana lack similar opportunities. For children struggling academically, the absence of extracurricular programs means fewer chances to discover their talents or escape the difficulties of their environments.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The struggles of Havana’s residents are emblematic of the broader issues faced by many marginalized communities in Namibia. From inadequate healthcare services and municipal neglect to a housing crisis and widespread unemployment, the challenges are overwhelming. While political promises continue to flood the airwaves, Hakahana and many others in Havana are left waiting for tangible changes. The community continues to endure hardship, but the call for better services, employment opportunities, and educational support remains urgent. As Hakahana poignantly states, it is time for the people to raise their voices, for it is only through collective action and government accountability that real progress can be made.