INTERVIEW: ANONYMOS X WALVISBAAI: A Candid Conversation on Local Struggles and the Reality of Life in Walvis Bay

 

Nov 20, 2024

In a candid conversation with local activists and residents of Walvis Bay, an anonymous call campaign has sparked a dialogue on the challenges faced by the town, which is often overshadowed by its image as a key port city. The campaign, aimed at shedding light on issues too often ignored by politicians, reveals a town struggling with unemployment, underfunded public services, and ongoing community unrest. Below are the highlights from the revealing interview.

1. Struggling Public Health Services

A key concern raised by the local activists was the state of public healthcare in Walvis Bay. Public health facilities are frequently overcrowded, with residents facing long waits and a lack of essential medication. “In our clinics, staff are often late, and when they do show up, there is not enough medication for patients,” one activist pointed out. Medication shortages are common, and patients are often told to visit other towns for the necessary prescriptions. The frustration is palpable, as the community is left in the lurch with the most basic healthcare needs unmet.

2. Unemployment Crisis

Unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges in Walvis Bay. Despite promises from local politicians about creating jobs, the situation has worsened over the years. “Local youth have resorted to drugs and crime, as there are no jobs to be found,” shared one activist. The fishing industry, which has long been the backbone of the town’s economy, continues to fail to absorb the growing unemployed population. Despite fishing quotas being issued to factories in Walvis Bay, local residents are rarely given priority for employment in these industries, leaving many struggling to find work.

3. Rising Crime and Social Issues

As unemployment continues to rise, so too does the level of frustration among the local youth. This frustration often leads to crime, with incidents such as house break-ins, car thefts, and prostitution becoming more common. “Prostitution is a major issue here, and it is directly tied to the lack of employment opportunities,” said one activist, highlighting how social decay is accelerated by economic hardships.

4. Education: A System Overwhelmed

The quality of education in Walvis Bay is another issue that has not been adequately addressed. Schools are overcrowded, with some classes containing more than 40 students. “There is no individual attention, and as a result, the quality of education suffers,” explained a local resident. While the town continues to grow, the education system cannot keep up with the rising demand for spaces in local schools.

5. Housing Crisis and Poor Infrastructure

Housing remains a critical issue, with a severe shortage of affordable homes. “Many houses built in a 2014-2015 housing project are still unoccupied,” noted one activist, questioning the transparency of the process. Despite these houses being supposedly ‘sold’, the homes remain locked, guarded by private security, while many local residents continue to live in overcrowded shacks. This highlights a serious disconnect between the promises made by politicians and the reality on the ground.

Additionally, Walvis Bay’s infrastructure, including roads and sanitation, is in dire need of improvement. “The roads are full of potholes, and the sewage system is failing in parts of town,” another activist stated, stressing the neglect of basic services despite the town’s importance as a port city.

6. Lack of Community Involvement in Local Budgeting

Another grievance voiced was the lack of transparency and community input in the budgeting process. The municipality has been criticized for tabling budgets without consulting the people they are meant to serve. “Decisions are made behind closed doors, with no real consideration for what the residents want or need,” said one activist, calling for more democratic processes in how public funds are allocated.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

Walvis Bay is a town at a crossroads. The promises made by politicians have not materialized into tangible benefits for the local population, and the struggles faced by the community are growing. From inadequate healthcare and education to a lack of jobs and poor infrastructure, the challenges are numerous. However, the residents of Walvis Bay, as illustrated through the anonymous campaign, remain hopeful for change. They continue to raise their voices, calling on local authorities to address the pressing issues that affect them daily.

As the community’s frustrations mount, it is clear that the time for political promises has passed; what Walvis Bay needs now is concrete action to tackle the root causes of its many challenges.