Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
THE Municipality of Windhoek has once again failed to agree on the rezoning of residential areas into business units with councillors alleging that others within council had interest in the issue.
The heated debate that resumed during the last session of the council last week Thursday has been going on since last year following complaints by residents in Windhoek North and West who experienced an influx of Congolese and Angolan businesses in their residential suburbs.
Last week’s debate was triggered by an application for rezoning of ERF, C/O 2 Joseph Wood and Hebenstreit Streets, Klein Windhoek, owned by a certain A Graham, from residential to business.
There was also another application by a certain D Howard to have ERF 1330, 8 Joseph Wood Street, Klein Windhoek rezoned into business offices.
Chairperson of Management Committee of the City of Windhoek, Ellaine Trepper moved the motion saying residencies cannot continue to be sacrificed at the expense of businesses.
Trepper said it was vital to consider the residents’ opinion and for council to start developing new business areas to deal with the contentious rezoning issue.
Councillor Gerson Kamatuka said council cannot be held at ransom and there is need to make further consultations with both residents and businesses before a resolution is passed.
He also raised the issue of morality behind the issuing of business stands in residential areas and whether some councillors were interested parties. Councillor IIme Schneider said there was need to second residents who are against having businesses in residential areas.
She added that residents had a right to privacy and by allowing businesses into residential areas, council is helping in the invading of privacy.
She urged the Mayor to engage businesses, council and residences as a way to come up with a comprehensive decision.
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