Wayambekange N Hamufenhu
Sanitation is often overlooked and remains largely invisible to many, yet it has far-reaching consequences. We face an invisible enemy that impacts millions of Namibians daily: “inadequate sanitation”.
Despite the undeniable connection between sanitation and improvements in public health, economic productivity, education, and environmental sustainability, this critical issue remains underfunded, overlooked, and inadequately addressed. For Namibia to secure a prosperous future, it must recognize sanitation not just as an infrastructure need but as a foundational pillar of development. The country must confront this issue head-on by investing more resources and adopting a multisectoral approach to tackle the sanitation crisis that continues to impede progress.
While Namibia has made commendable advances in addressing sanitation in urban areas, rural communities, informal settlements, and peri-urban areas still suffer from inadequate sanitation facilities. Despite being a middle-income country, Namibia’s sanitation infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with a growing population, particularly in informal settlements where thousands live in unsanitary conditions. To build a healthier and more productive nation, we must address this issue with urgency and ensure every Namibian has access to safe, clean sanitation.
Sanitation is not merely a health concern; it is a critical driver of economic growth. In Namibia, where unemployment remains a persistent challenge, inadequate sanitation exacts a substantial economic cost. Diseases related to poor sanitation result in lost workdays and reduced productivity. Moreover, Namibia’s tourism sector, which relies on clean environments and healthy communities, stands at risk if sanitation systems remain underdeveloped. Poor sanitation also disrupts educational opportunities, especially for young girls. In rural areas and informal settlements, many schools lack proper sanitation facilities, creating challenges for girls, particularly during menstruation. The absence of clean, private restrooms forces many girls to miss school, contributing to lower attendance rates and higher dropout rates.
To address the sanitation crisis, Namibia must invest in infrastructure that improves access to sanitation, which will enhance school attendance and promote equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of gender. Moreover, Namibia needs a comprehensive, multisectoral approach involving all levels of government, the private sector, civil society, and local communities. All stakeholders must collaborate towards the common goal of improving sanitation. The government must prioritize sanitation as a national development issue, ensuring adequate funding to address the gaps in coverage, particularly in rural and informal settlements.
Local communities must also play a central role in this transformation, as they are most directly affected by poor sanitation. Empowering communities to take ownership of their sanitation issues will be key to ensuring long-term sustainability. This could include training the public in effective sanitation practices, advocating for better facilities, and working together to create lasting solutions within their neighborhoods. By aligning professional efforts with community-driven initiatives, Namibia can create a more sanitary, prosperous, and equitable future for all.
Sanitation has been an issue pushed to the margins for too long, despite its central role in public health and national development. Public awareness campaigns must be intensified, educating citizens about the importance of hygiene, and the need for collective action. We need to move away from treating sanitation as a peripheral issue and make it a mainstream part of the national discourse.
It is time to recognize that investing in sanitation is not just a financial investment; it is an investment in the future of Namibia. It is about building a cleaner, healthier, and thriving nation, it is about preventing the spread of disease, boosting economic productivity, improving educational outcomes, and protecting our environment.
To achieve this, the nation must act with urgency and determination. The country should ensure that sanitation is treated as a priority in national budgets and policies. We should advocate for increased investment in infrastructure, technology, and education. And we must unite as a nation to tackle this invisible enemy. Together, we can create a Namibia where sanitation is no longer an afterthought but a cornerstone of development and prosperity. Let’s act now before the consequences of inaction become too great to ignore.
Wayambekange N Hamufenhu is a Pan-African Sanitation Advocate, Namibia
