Wayambekange N Hamufenhu
As Namibia sets its sights on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) “access to clean water and sanitation for all” by 2030, questions arise regarding the country’s progress in reaching this ambitious target, particularly in terms of sanitation. While Namibia has made notable strides in improving water access, sanitation remains a pressing challenge. With just five years left until the target year, it is essential to critically assess the current situation, the progress made, and the path ahead to determine if Namibia can achieve SDG 6 on sanitation.
So far, Namibia has made significant advancements in expanding access to clean water, with urban areas benefiting from modern infrastructure and improved access to piped water systems. However, when it comes to sanitation, the picture is more complex. The government has put in place various tools aimed at improving sanitation standards, such as the Introduction of the revised National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy (2022–2027) as well as implementation of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.
However, despite these efforts, disparities between access to Water and Sanitation are still stark. According to the 2023 Namibia’s Population and Housing census report by NSA, a significant portion of 40% of the population still lacks access to improved sanitation facilities and continues to rely heavily on open defecation.
Correspondingly, Namibia’s progress towards SDG 6 on sanitation faces multiple obstacles such as financial constraints that limit the pace at which infrastructure can be expanded. The costs of building sustainable sanitation systems, coupled with a relatively small national budget, have slowed progress. Furthermore, there is a diminutive education and awareness about proper sanitation hygiene.
Nonetheless, amidst these challenges, Namibia still has time to make significant progress towards achieving SDG 6 by 2030 if the nation prioritize investments in the underserved communities by building low-cost, sustainable sanitation systems which are inexpensive and suitable for areas with limited infrastructure.
Furthermore, collaborating with the private sector can inject much-needed funds, expertise, and innovation into the nation’s sanitation efforts. And with widespread education on the importance of sanitation and hygiene through public campaigns, this will empower communities to maintain their sanitation facilities properly and practice good hygiene
Additionally, the nation also needs to improve its monitoring and evaluation strategies to track progress more effectively. Its data collection systems on sanitation should be revamped, which will help identify gaps, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that interventions are targeted where they are most needed.
Looking at the progress pace, the question remains, will Namibia realize the SDG6 as committed?
It’s just five years left until 2030, hence as Namibians, we face a race against time to achieve SDG 6 in terms of sanitation. To meet these targets as a country, we must intensify our efforts, make strategic investments, and foster collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities. The challenges are substantial, but with a clear focus, Namibia can still achieve its sanitation goals by 2030. The path is tough, but not impossible provided the right steps are taken now.
Wayambekange N Hamufenhu is a Pan- African Sanitation advocate, and Inspire fellow Alumni.
