A group of frustrated elderly people from Farm Versailles in Windhoek rural constituency took to the streets on Wednesday morning to demonstrate against the premature dismissal of their village development committee.
The residents gathered at the Khomas Regional Council to hand over a petition that detailed their complaints.
According to one of the residents, Mariana Hansen, the committee, elected by the community, has been instrumental in advancing local sustainability projects and improving living conditions over the past four and a half years.
Hansen expressed deep concern over what she described as an unlawful and undemocratic removal of the committee on 8 June.
She emphasised that the decision, purportedly made by the Windhoek Rural Constituency Office and Khomas Regional Council, violated the committee’s established term, which was set to continue until November 2025.
“The premature dismissal not only disrupts our ongoing projects but also undermines the democratic process that brought the committee into office,” Hansen said.
Hansen stressed the importance of accountability from local authorities, urging a detailed justification for their actions and advocating for the reinstatement of the elected committee.
Hansen further highlighted additional grievances, including concerns over the fairness of recent drought relief food distributions and unresolved issues regarding land tenure and cattle grazing rights at Farm Versailles.
“We demand fair treatment and transparency in all dealings with the regional council and constituency office,” Hansen said.
The chief regional officer of the Khomas Regional Council, Clement Mwafila, who received the petition, said they will respond to it after reviewing the document.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
