Residents of Katutura Central, who have been grappling with a sanitation crisis for years, escalated the situation on Monday morning by disposing of sewage-contaminated waste at the City of Windhoek's headquarters as a protest against their perceived "seven years of neglect".

The protest was led by social activist Shaun Gariseb, who bemoaned what he described as the City's continued failure to resolve chronic sewage leaks and foul odours in the Clemence Kapuuo area. 

The group said they were forced to escalate matters after years of ignored complaints, dating back to 2018.

"The issue is becoming increasingly severe, with sewage spills occurring every fourth day despite our discussions with the mayor. At that meeting, that spillage was there twice, and it's faeces that are going into people's yards, so the people are unable to eat; they are even unable to use their toilets because they are blocked. It has become so unbearable that you can't do anything," said Gariseb.

When NBC News reached out to the City of Windhoek, spokesperson Harold Akwenye responded, stating that a cleaning team was dispatched and that CCTV footage would be reviewed to identify those responsible. 

In a brief statement, City officials said they are "looking into the matter" and urged residents to continue using official channels to report service issues.

Residents say their trust in municipal processes has completely eroded, despite the City's latest assurances.

Residents argue that the issue extends beyond broken infrastructure, encompassing environmental justice and public health.

They accuse the City of Windhoek of applying a double standard when it comes to service delivery in historically marginalised areas.

As the City begins its cleanup and investigation, the Dolam community has vowed to intensify pressure until lasting action is taken to restore proper sanitation and dignity to their neighbourhood.