Youth Demand Action: Holding Local Leaders Accountable
Windhoek Observer
The newly elected regional and local authority councillors are facing a challenge: they must meet the high expectations of the youth and the community. The United Democratic Front (UDF) Youth League and Oshikuku community activists are calling for accountability and better service delivery, emphasizing that basic services, transparency, and public welfare should be the top priorities for leaders.
Reinold #Goseb, the UDF Youth League secretary, urges councillors to focus on essential services like clean water, well-maintained roads, electricity, healthcare, and education. He emphasizes that political theatrics should not overshadow the primary goal of serving the citizens. #Goseb also highlights the importance of managing public resources effectively, especially in the awarding of tenders and the implementation of state-funded projects.
"The citizens voted with the expectation of accountability and responsible spending," #Goseb stated. "Delays and the politicization of development initiatives can undermine community trust."
He encourages the public, particularly the youth, to stay actively involved in holding leaders accountable. "Oversight by citizens is necessary to ensure that elected office bearers fulfill their responsibilities," he added.
The Youth League also supports initiatives to strengthen ethical leadership and improve service delivery across the nation.
In Oshikuku, community activist Gabriel Mandume shared similar concerns. He spoke about the town's dump site, which is located less than 500 meters from residents' homes. Mandume reported frequent burning of waste, causing smoke, strong odors, and health risks for nearby families.
Despite repeated complaints, the town council has taken no meaningful action, according to Mandume. He warned that burning plastic and household waste exposes residents to harmful chemicals, posing both short- and long-term health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Mandume described the situation as a public health challenge that demands immediate action. He reminded the Oshikuku Town Council of its legal obligations under the Namibian Constitution and the Local Authorities Act to ensure safe waste management and protect residents' welfare.
"The current state of the dumpsite violates the community's right to a clean and safe environment," Mandume concluded.
Efforts to reach the Oshikuku Town Council mayor for comment were unsuccessful, as phone calls did not go through.
