Swakopmund’s GRN buildings a disgrace

Sharlien Tjambari

Municipalities and Town Councils are not responsible for run down government houses, flats and buildings. This must be reported to the Ministry of Works and Transport.

This was made clear by the spokesperson of the Municipality of Swakopmund, Ailie Gebhard recently, after the newspaper made inquiries regarding so many dilapidated Government properties at Swakopmund.
“If a building is found to be a danger, then owners are informed to correct such a danger. If the owners fail to do so, then the building occupation rights are removed through a council decision,” Gebhard said. The government flats on Harder Street in Vineta is a disgrace. The flats are in a terrible condition. The roof is dilapidated and residents battle with sewerage water when sewer lines overflow from the property.
In the case of rains, the roof cannot protect the building’s interior and the situation worsens each season. Another building of concern is the head office of the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Swakopmund which is suffering structural decay as a result of neglect.