‘Politicians only come to us when they need votes’ …CoW says settlement will not be formalised as residents demand water and basic services.

Patience Makwele

Residents of Baboon City, an informal settlement situated between Rocky Crest and Pioneers Park in Windhoek, say they have been forgotten by political leaders after elections, accusing the government of failing to address their most basic needs despite years of appeals for assistance.

Their frustrations come as the City of Windhoek maintains that Baboon City is not a recognised informal settlement and has no plans to provide municipal services or formalise the area.

Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, several residents including community representative Mukambo Benonia Sihako said access to clean water remains the settlement’s biggest challenge, forcing some families to travel long distances or rely on expensive deliveries from neighbouring communities.

“Politicians only come here when they need votes. After elections, no one comes back to ask how we are surviving,” said a resident.

Residents accuse political leaders of making repeated promises to improve their living conditions but say little has changed despite years of appeals for access to basic services.