INTERVIEW: Katutura Central Constituency Councillor Rodman Vezemba Katjaimo Responds to Concerns from Freedom Square Residents

In a recent interview with Future Media, Katutura Central Constituency Councillor Rodman Vezemba Katjaimo addressed concerns raised by residents living near Jacob Marengo School in Freedom Square. The residents had reported issues related to inadequate support and poor living conditions.

Councillor Katjaimo clarified that he has been actively involved in providing assistance to these residents, despite their claims of insufficient help. “I am always on the ground with them, providing support where possible,” he stated. He acknowledged that many residents face challenges such as lack of proper shelter, which he described as a national issue affecting many Namibians living in informal setups.

Katjaimo explained that while his office provides aid such as blankets, clothes, and food, there are limitations due to the broader issue of informal settlements in Namibia. He also highlighted efforts to register residents for government support programs, but noted difficulties, including some residents lacking Namibian documentation and others losing their IDs in a fire last year.

The councillor called for more support from the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare to address these issues, emphasizing that the central government holds the primary responsibility for providing resources and implementing programs. He expressed frustration over the central government’s reluctance to decentralize support programs and the resulting backlog in registrations.

Katjaimo concluded by urging the media to assist in advocating for better support and resources for the affected residents, acknowledging the limitations faced by local authorities.