The time is now to fix Vaalgras

BAB WRITES FROM //KHARAS:

We have been labeled as a "handful of rebels" by the coercive and hegemonic, autocratic deposed traditional leadership of Vaalgras since February 2009 when we asked Vaalgras to be declared a settlement. However, this had been brushed off in the Windhoek High Court on 18 April 2012.

I almost shed tears on the 5th of May 2020 when I learned that three ladies from the native village rushed to the Planning Director of the //Kharas Regional Council to file their complaints with regard to the provision of inadequate water, electricity and the overall lack of socio-economic development down there as a direct result of a leadership deficit, vacuum, tribal division etc.

These things which are very evident today are being denied frequently over the years just to cling unto power.

Of late NANTU has demanded the immediate closure of the Primary School there, due to the lack of sufficient ablution facilities and provision of running water as per the regulations of the COVID-19 State of Emergency. What has the Traditional Authority been doing, if there is one, in this regard?

We pleaded to for Vaalgras to be declared as a settlement so that it can be put under the capital budget of the //Kharas Regional Council, as we know for a fact that the Traditional Authority doesn't have funds for development. If declared a Settlement the place will get a Local Economic Development Board which will take over decision making and spearhead development agendas.

This is a taboo issue that the Traditional Authority don't want to hear, simply because it will be the beginning of the end of their powers in the Vaalgras urban area.

There are only two things for the Central Government to do: either put Vaalgras under administration and/or declare it a settlement. That's the only way to end this decade old revolt, whilst considering better option to resolve the leadership tussle amicably.

I hope the //Kharas Regional Council solve the water and electricity problems there as promised, either using Drought Relief Aid or COVID-19 relief funds.