Marx Itamalo /
Residents of Helao Nafidi, a town that consists of Oshikango, Ohangwena, Omafo and Engela settlements, have implored the newly elected local authority councilors to prioritise service delivery instead of paying much attention to political games.
Following the just-ended regional and local authority elections, the Swapo party attained five seats in the council while the Body of Christ (BOC) and the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) both secured one seat each.
Darius Shaalukeni, of Swapo, was re-elected as mayor, deputised by Maria Mbangula also from Swapo.
Ugenia Shinohamba and Haita Hamunjela both from Swapo will join Shaalukeni and Mbangula as members of the management committee with Shinohamba as its chairperson.
Loide Amutenya (IPC), Festus Erickson (BOC) and Ndinelao Matias of Swapo will serve as ordinary council members.
Helao Nafidi resident Jonas Shilongo has requested the new councilors to perform better during their term and serve in the best interest of the residents of the border town.
“We have voted them into power and we want them to address the problems we are facing as residents of the town,” Shilongo stressed.
“We don’t have toilets in the locations and the situation is bad. We want council to build public toilets at least in town if they cannot build them in the locations.”
Another resident, Nestor Angula, said that the council should also address the issue of water disruptions that bedevils the town each week.
“We have the issue of water closures that happens each week here. We don’t know whether the issue lies with the council or Namwater. If the council has issues with Namwater they should address it so that we don’t suffer because it is not our problem,” he said.
Omafo resident Rauna Hanghome implored the council to address the issue of security guards who constantly harass street vendors and to improve the organising of the town’s trade expo.
Contacted for comment Helao Nafidi Mayor Darius Shaalukeni thanked the residents for airing their views, further asserting the new council will look at the complaints raised and deal with them accordingly.
He highlighted the council’s commitment to addressing the residents’ problems and to always work in the best interest of the residents and to provide services without looking at their political affiliation.
“We have always worked and acted in the best interest of our residents. We have achieved a lot over the years and we will continue to ensure that our residents are provided with the services they need and that they are treated with the respect they deserve.
“All issues raised will be addressed,” he said whilst at the same time thanking the residents for making his party to remain in full control of the council.
In the photo: Helao Nafidi Town Councillors who were sworn-in a week ago.
