Residents of Gibeon have expressed serious concerns over the continued use of the bucket toilet system, calling it a pressing health risk that requires urgent intervention. 

They hope that the leaders elected in the upcoming Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections will prioritise sanitation improvements.

Gibeon, a historic village south of Mariental in the Hardap Region, is known as the hometown of the late leader Hendrik Witbooi. Community members voiced their frustration over the fact that the bucket system is still in use 35 years after independence.

In discussions with residents about their expectations for the upcoming elections, sanitation emerged as a key issue. “The bucket system poses serious health risks, and it’s time to do away with it,” said Ambrosius Witbooi, a local resident. He added, “We need proper toilets and real infrastructure to improve living conditions.”

Alrfrieda Bank, another resident, shared her disappointment with the lack of progress: “I have been voting since I was eighteen, but I have never secured a job in the town where I was born and raised. Whoever becomes councillor, as long as they care for everyone, we will be grateful.”

Otto Bank stressed the need for development: “Even if the leaders we vote for don’t look after us directly, they should at least develop the town to better the lives of its residents.”

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gibeon Village Council confirmed ongoing efforts to phase out the bucket system. The council has been engaging with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to secure funding for sanitation improvements and has started to address the needs of residents.

Community members also highlighted unemployment as a major concern and urged the incoming councillors to introduce creative initiatives to support youth employment.