The Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) is an informal settlement in Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia.[1] It was founded in 2001 as a temporary resettlement community for people waiting for subsidized housing in the city and was built mostly of reclaimed garbage from the city landfill.[2] The materials included corrugated metal, wood, canvas and plastic.[3]
In 2015, the population was estimated to be around 20,000. There is no electricity and no sanitation. The running water came from one tap, installed in 2012.[3] Inhabitants found employment working menial jobs in Swakopmund.[3]
By 2019, the Swakopmund municipality had spent over N$200 million on facilities at the DRC.[4] The government food program was supplying families with food packages.[5] The DRC includes a youth development and community centre, a clinic and laboratory, and a hostel for orphans.[1] The Dantago Arts and Craft centre was built by the residents using recycled plastic materials, such as bottles, combined with cement.[6]
