WINDHOEK – Going to school is becoming a serious danger for children in Moses //Garoeb and Samora Machel constituencies, with road accidents the order of the day.
The matter has now become so serious that residents are asking the Windhoek Municipality to build tarred roads with speed humps.
Pedestrians appear to be the major casualties and learners on their way to or from school are said to be the majority of victims.
“We have a problem with the gravel roads [connecting] Moses //Garoeb and Samora Machel constituencies, because they do not have speed humps, and more learners are being knocked over by vehicles when they are coming and going to school,” said Samora Machel Constituency Councillor Absai Angula.
Samora Machel Constituency in Katutura consists of three high-destiny informal settlements. These are Monte Christo in Havana, Goreagab Dam, and Greenwell Matongo.
Angula, in an exclusive interview with New Era, could not give the average number of accidents taking place every month, but said he has received many reports of school children being bumped by cars in his constituency, especially in Monte Christo Street in Havana.  
Angula also expressed his concern about the poor condition of Eveline Street in Greenwell Matongo, which is allegedly being damaged by carwash businesses in the street.  Angula wants people to use the municipal carwash that the municipality has established.
The councillor also appealed to the Windhoek Municipality to provide water to the constituencies “because many people do not have water”.
“People in Samora Machel do not have enough water, they are walking long distances to fetch water and some are buying water from people who own houses,” he said.
He said although people are living illegally in informal settlements, “the municipality must help with water to avoid illegal connections that are likely to cause problems”.
“The municipality must at least provide water for people to avoid illegal connectivity of water and electricity, which is dangerous for the community,” said Angula.
Meanwhile, more than 12 shack fires have been recorded since late last year to last Saturday, with eight people dead.
The councillor said to reduce fire accidents and deaths the municipality needs to provide electricity to the settlements. “We have a problem with fires. Shacks are burning. Candles are causing trouble,” said Angula advising people to use paraffin lanterns that are safer than candles.
“The municipality needs to address these issues as soon as possible to save the lives of our people,” he said.