Wayambekange N. Hamufenhu
Each evening, “Kelao,” a 16-year-old girl, and her peers undertake a dangerous journey to the mountains of the “One Nation” informal settlement of Windhoek. The young Kelao, like many residents of the informal settlements, daily navigate risks such as snake bites and potential assaults in their search for basic hygiene.
The urgency of their situation is heightened by the unintended consequence of trampling upon the waste they carry back to their shacks amid hurried retreats prompted by any hint of danger.
The Government of Namibia has boldly decided to address the challenges faced by residents like Kelao, noting that only 46 % of its population has sustainable access to safe sanitation facilities, in both rural and urban areas. Approximately 7.9% of Namibia’s population depend on unimproved sanitation facilities, while 40% of households lack access to any form of toilet facilities, thereby compelling them to engage in open defecation.
In response to these profound challenges, Namibia launched its National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy 2022-2027, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to tackle its sanitation crisis. Approved by the Namibian cabinet in October 2022, this strategy represents a beacon of hope. It signifies a critical step forward in addressing long-standing issues of sanitation access, aiming to pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for all Namibians. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has the overall coordination function in Namibia through its Department of Water Affairs.
The newly launched strategy sets a bold ambition: to increase the proportion of Namibians with sustainable access to safe sanitation to 67 percent by 2027. This goal is not just about numbers; it represents a commitment to dignity, health, and equity for all Namibians. Achieving this ambitious target will require concerted efforts across all sectors of society, from government agencies and civil society organizations to private sector partners and local communities.
Key to the strategy’s success is its inclusive approach, addressing the diverse needs of both rural and urban populations. The strategy adopts a community-based approach in rural areas, where access to essential services is often limited. Empowering local communities to take ownership of sanitation initiatives is vital, supported by subsidies for households unable to afford sanitation facilities independently. Moreover, engaging unemployed youth in the construction of sanitation facilities addresses infrastructure needs and promotes economic empowerment and skills development.
Equally, in urban areas with higher population densities and infrastructure complexities, the strategy emphasizes selecting appropriate sanitation technologies tailored to local conditions. This includes innovative solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable, ensuring that urban centres benefit from improved sanitation infrastructure that meets the needs of their inhabitants.
Beyond household settings, the strategy extends its scope to public spaces and institutions, recognizing the integral role of sanitation in public health and social well-being. By ensuring access to sanitation facilities in schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and other public spaces, Namibia aims to enhance overall hygiene standards and promote a healthier environment for all. The strategy hinges on strategic planning and collaborative action among stakeholders. Awareness campaigns will be critical in instilling behavioral change and promoting the importance of sanitation and hygiene practices at all levels of society to foster a culture of cleanliness and health consciousness from the grassroots level up, which will be critical to achieving long-term behaviour change. Namibia aims to build a sustainable framework for achieving its sanitation goals and ensuring lasting impacts by mobilising political will, financial resources, and technical expertise.
As we look to the future, the National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy 2022-2027 represents a policy document and a beacon of hope for Namibia. It embodies a collective commitment to improving the lives of all Namibians, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status. Ministries involved in sanitation, non-governmental organizations, civil societies, and the people of Namibia, we all have a responsibility to ensure the swift implementation of the national strategy. Now is the time to invest in the sanitation sector. By prioritizing sanitation investment today, Namibia lays the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow—a future where every individual flourishes in a clean and secure environment. The time for action is now and the winning formula is collaboration amongst all stakeholders.
The National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy 2022-2027 is our collective beacon of hope. Let’s unite in this crucial effort to build a healthier nation for generations to come and rally behind this vision of progress and transformation. With determination, collaboration, and innovation, we can turn the tide on sanitation crises and build a nation where dignity and health prevail.
Wayambekange N. Hamufenhu is a Senior development planner, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, and a Pan -Africa Fellow INSPIRE Fellowship for Sanitation Leaders Driving Change
