Walvis Bay residents are outraged about toxic smoke from burning tyres and illegal activity at a dump site, and they are demanding urgent action from authorities.

Residents expressed anger and frustration at a public meeting in Walvis Bay.

They demanded answers over illegal activities and the burning of tyres at a nearby refuse site, which they say has become a public health risk.

Mayor of Walvis Bay, Johannes Shimbilinga, says, "We are having people there doing whatever activities they are doing. You cannot do anything. These people are on government land."

According to the mayor, the land in question is not under municipal control, and that limits their ability to enforce laws or shut down illegal operations.

"That is the reason we are trying now to engage the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to come on board. And then they tell us exactly what to do – either to transfer it to us so that we can use our bylaws or to do whatever we can do."

But the explanation was not enough for many residents.

"Every citizen has the right to life to be protected. That means the burning of tyres is a constitutional violation. If there are illegal people, they are supposed to be deported. They are supposed to be moved," stressed resident Gavin Brasler.

Marietta Klem adds, "This entire issue of eviction, I understand, is a very elaborate process, and it might take years to get the people evicted from the site. My concern is primarily the smoke, because this morning at 2AM, this baby that I have in my arms coughed me awake. And I was unaware of the smoke until I was awake, and then I myself had trouble breathing."

Another Walvis Bay resident, Johnny Doeseb, added, "The municipality must not say, 'We don't have the right.' You have the right to enforce. And the municipality, under the Act, is given the powers to bring up by-laws on how to manage that area. You just need to come up with bylaws, and I'm happy you said you signed one."

Officials acknowledge the crisis and say plans are in motion, including surveillance systems and renewed coordination with police.

Walvis Bay Councillor Miina Hangula responded, "We might not have control over burning the tyres, but we have control to restrict them from entering the dumping site. Because that's going to be one of the solutions where we're going to avoid that they are not burnt."

But even city managers admit solutions won't come overnight.

"Right now, I can't offer you anything concrete; however, we will definitely be looking at implementing emergency measures," replied General Manager for Water, Waste & Environmental Management, Reedewann Van Wyk.

The municipality managers and councillors say they are now pushing for the situation to be declared a national emergency, which could allow faster action.