OMEGA 1 – The Omega 1 community has issued a five-day ultimatum to authorities, threatening unspecified action if they are not allocated a dedicated ambulance, among other services remaining beyond their reach or poorly rendered.
The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Festus Hafeni, voiced these pressing community grievances to Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka during the official handover of a newly fenced community cemetery recently.
While expressing gratitude for the razor-wire cemetery fence, which cost the government close to N$1 million, Hafeni emphasised that basic human services must take priority.
“The lack of an ambulance in this community makes it extremely difficult for us to transport fellow community members to the nearest hospital, which is more than 70 kilometres away at the Andara Health Centre, during emergencies,” Hafeni stated.
Omega 1 has historically lacked reliable emergency transport. Although a medical pick-up bakkie was briefly assigned to the community’s medic last year, it was quickly recalled.
“I tried my level best as chairperson to find out what really happened. The only answer I received was that Andara Hospital does not have vehicles, which is why they took our vehicle back. The community is ready for whatever action; they have given a five-day ultimatum to return the bakkie to Omega 1,” he warned.
Beyond healthcare, Hafeni raised serious concerns regarding the lack of national documents, particularly among the elderly members of the San community. Without these critical identification documents, residents are unable to access vital government social grants, and families face severe hurdles when attempting to bury their deceased loved ones.
Hafeni said implementation has stalled despite clear directives from the Office of the President that all San community members must be registered and documented.
Although officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security have visited the settlement several times, many residents remain undocumented.
The community is now demanding immediate administrative intervention to rectify the ongoing health and civic registration shortfalls before the expiration of their five-day deadline.
The governor assured the community that he would address their concerns and follow up with the relevant offices.
The governor, while handing over the completed fenced cemetery at the settlement, further acknowledged the request to protect the grave site, which also came directly from the people of Omega 1, “and it is important that we recognise that this project began with the community itself. The people of Omega 1 identified a challenge, formally presented it to the government, and patiently worked through the processes required to find a solution. Today’s handover demonstrates that when communities participate actively in their own development, their concerns can be translated into practical outcomes,’’ he said.
Hambyuka said the investment is not simply about erecting a physical barrier but rather an investment in dignity, respect, cultural preservation and the protection of a sacred place that holds deep meaning for the people of Omega 1.
“It reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no community, regardless of its location, is left behind in our development efforts. This project also demonstrates the value of cooperation across government institutions. I wish to commend the Office of the President, particularly the Department of Marginalised Communities, for supporting this initiative from its inception,” he said.
The governor informed the community of the channels to go to when they want to communicate their challenges and concerns until their messages reach the right offices.
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