Mariental: Residents of Empelheim Extension 5 in Mariental on Tuesday petitioned the Mariental Municipality, demanding the provision of electricity and improved waste management services in the area.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the petition, submitted by Extension 5 community leader, Kristophina Hoitembu, and addressed to Mariental Mayor, Ethel Isaacks, cited the lack of electricity as a major challenge affecting residents' quality of life. The lack of electricity has forced residents to rely on candles, paraffin stoves, and open fires, exposing them to fire hazards and health risks associated with smoke inhalation.

Residents further argued that streets remain without lights, causing a security concern and creating conditions that may encourage criminal activity and place women, children, and other vulnerable community members at risk. The petition also states that the lack of electricity negatively affects education and economic activities, as learners are unable to study effectively at night, while small businesses such as tuck shops and salons cannot operate efficiently.

The residents are demanding the installation of prepaid electricity meters, the provision of communal waste bins, and regular refuse collection services in the area. Receiving the petition on behalf of Isaacks, Mariental Municipality Chief Executive Officer Paul Nghiwilepo said there appears to be a misunderstanding regarding the municipality's service delivery plans for Extension 5.

Nghiwilepo said government funding allocated to the municipality is intended to provide services to all extension areas, including Extension 5. 'I do not know where the information came from that Extension 5 will not receive services. The funding we received is meant to provide water, sewerage, roads, and electricity to all residents in the extensions,' he said.

According to Nghiwilepo, the first phase of the servicing project covered Aimablaagte Extensions 2 and 3, Empelheim Extension 4, and a portion of Extension 5. He said the first phase has been completed, while the second phase is expected to commence soon and will include Empelheim Extension 5. Nghiwilepo added that the municipality recently received N.dollars 36 million following the approval of the national budget to continue servicing residential areas. 'Extension 5 will also benefit from these services as part of the ongoing development programme,' he said.