This is an informal settlement in Swakopmund, Erongo Region of Namibia, founded in 2001 as a temporary settlement community for people waiting for subsidized housing in the city. Note: temporary, and that was 21 years back!

The settltment was/is built mostly of "reclaimed garbage" from the city landfill, (corrugated metal, wood, canvas and plastic), and currently could hold some 30,000+, (the population in 2015 was estimated around 20,000). 

Much of the area does not have electricity or running water, (one tap was installed in 2012). By 2019 the Swakopmund municipality had spent some $200m namibian dollars, (£10m stg), in the 18 years. Although there are youth development progras, a clinic, a laboratory and a hostel for orphans in the DRC there is a lack of jobs in the area for those seeking employment and many malnourished children.

In recent weeks (May/June 2022) there have been a number of fires. Many people cook on open fires outdoors and at this time of the year the area can be "plagued" with strong warm winds blowing across the country from the ease. It only takes a spark to catch in the wind and a fire can start. Because of the flammable matierals and the close proximity of each of the "houses" these events don't normally result in the loss of one house and generally anywhere from 6/10 can be lost in one incident. There is always the fear that much of the area could be lost on any one of these events.

Last week one such fire occured destroying 6 properties and the loss of life of one child. It is tragic and will remain tragic given the conditions these warmly welcoming people live in.

I know there are many places similar to the DRC in Swakopmund but having been there part of my heart remains in this place and with these people. I have seen many such pictures and video footage on television of similar areas but nothing could ever have prepared me for my first and indeed second visit to the DRC.

Racing the Planet, through whom I have seen places, met people that I would never have met and through whom I have found a post retirement plan, have provided me with an desire and opportunity to help.

Clifton Gawaxab, who lives on site, has set up a charity Sandwich Tour, (see facebook Sandwich-tour-a-Humanitarian-Travel-Experience). When the RTP Naimib 2022 race finished we made three visits with Clifton and some of his team and over the three days provides lunches for over 600 children. Clifton has the vision to build a 2 x room education centre on the site where he can continue this work and provide education to the pre-school children in the area.