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INTRODUCRTION

Namibia faces significant challenges in providing basic services, particularly water and
sanitation, to its growing urban population. In Windhoek, the rapid expansion of informal
settlements like Havana has intensified these issues. The lack of enough sanitation facilities
and reliable water sources in Havana severely impacts the dignity, health, and safety of
residents, with women and children being the most affected. This project analyses the
water and sanitation situation in Havana, Windhoek. It identifies the key challenges and
proposes solutions that correspond with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
information presented is based on a combination of interviews conducted with residents
and personal observations made within the settlement.

2.BACKGROUND OF HAVANA
Havana is one informal settlement located in Windhoek, Namibia. It's characterized by a
high population density and a lack of formal urban planning. The settlement has grown
rapidly due to rural-urban migration and a shortage of affordable housing. Dwellings are
primarily constructed from corrugated iron sheets and other temporary materials. The
absence of basic infrastructure is a major concern for residents.

3.WATER SITUATION IN HAVANA

Access to clean and reliable water is a critical problem in Havana. The primary water
source for most residents is communal taps, often located at a distance from their homes.
This results in long waiting times and physical strain, particularly for women who are
traditionally responsible for water collection. Water supply is frequently disrupted, and the
available water is sometimes of poor quality, raising concerns about potential health risks
to the residents.
4.SANITATION SITUATION IN HAVANA
Sanitation facilities in Havana are rarely available. A significant portion of the population
lacks access to proper toilets, leading to widespread of faeces in the public. This practice
poses serious health hazards, contaminating both the environment and water sources. The
absence of effective waste management systems further worsens the problem, with
accumulated garbage creating unsanitary living conditions.

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5.IMPACT ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN

The lack of proper water and sanitation facilities has an uneven impact on women and
children in Havana. Women face significant challenges in managing menstrual hygiene and
maintaining personal cleanliness. The absence of private and safe toilet facilities increases
their vulnerability to harassment and assault. Children are most of the time vulnerable to
waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera, which are major causes of morbidity
and mortality. The burden of collecting water also often falls on women and children,
limiting their time for other activities, including education.

6.COMMUNITY OF HAVANA’S POINT OF VIEWS AND OPINIONS

Interviews with Havana residents reveal the daily struggles they face due to insufficient
water and sanitation. Many residents expressed frustration with the long distances they
have to walk to access water and the lack of privacy and safety when using open
defecation. One resident stated, "We are forced to relieve ourselves in the open, like
animals. It is not safe, especially for women and girls." Another resident highlighted the
health consequences, saying, "Our children are always sick with diarrhea. The water is not
clean, and there are no proper toilets." Despite these challenges, the community has
demonstrated resilience, with some residents organizing informal groups to advocate for
improved services and maintain communal taps.

7.CONCLUSIONS

The lack of access to adequate water and sanitation in Havana, Windhoek, represents a
significant humanitarian and developmental challenge. The situation has far-reaching
consequences for the health, dignity, and safety of residents, particularly women and
children. Addressing this crisis requires urgent and concerted action from all stakeholders.
By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, it is possible to significantly
improve living conditions in Havana and ensure that all residents have access to these
essential services. Failure to act will perpetuate a cycle of poverty, ill-health, and inequality,
hindering progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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 SYD PROJECT ASSIGNMENT 1 2025

WATER AND SANITATION CRISIS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS OF NAMIBIA

NAME DAVID K NKOSHI

STUDENT NUMBER 224030612

COURSE CODE 07BGAC

SUBJECT CODE SYD611S

LECTURER MR WISDOM MAZILA

YEAR 2025

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TITLE: ADDRESSING WATER AND SANITATION CHALLENGES IN HAVANA WINDHOEK

8.RECOMENDATIONS TO BETTER WATER, HYGIENE AND SANITATION IN HAVANA

To address the water and sanitation crisis in Havana, I propose the following
recommendations.

 Improve Water Access: Increase the number of communal water points and ensure
the fairness distribution throughout the settlement.
 Upgrade Sanitation Infrastructure: Construct improved pit latrines or other
appropriate sanitation solutions that minimize environmental and health risks.
Ensure that these facilities are accessible to all, including people with disabilities.
 Implement Waste Management Systems: Establish regular waste collection
services and promote waste recycling initiatives within the community.
 Promote Hygiene Education: Bring up community-based hygiene education
programs to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing, safe water
storage, and proper sanitation practices.
 Empower Women and Girls: Ensure that women and girls are actively involved in
the planning, implementation, and management of water and sanitation projects.
 Strengthen the COW workforce: The municipality of Windhoek should allocate
resources, and personnel and improve coordination among different departments
responsible for water and sanitation service delivery.
 Foster Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government, NGOs,
community-based organizations, and the private sector to mobilize resources and
expertise for sustainable solutions.

 Align with SDGs: Ensure that all interventions are aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water
and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

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REFERENCES
1. Tekla Amutenya & Maxwell Chufama & Efigenia Madalena Semente, 2024.
"Legislation and Policies for the City of Windhoek to Carry on With Water and
Sanitation Service Delivery in Havana Informal Settlement," International
Journal of Circular Economy and Waste Management (IJCEWM), IGI Global, vol.
3(1), pages 1-11, January.

2. https://futuremedianews.com.na/2024/11/18/anonymous-interview-challenges-
faced-by-the-community-in-havana-windhoek-a-closer-look-at-municipal-services-
healthcare-and-unemployment/

3. https://www.namibian.com.na/informal-settlement-residents-face-prepaid-water-
blues-2/

4. https://repository.unam.edu.na/items/4f6b997e-f4ec-41bd-8157-970330cc0fcf

5. https://newlinesmag.com/photo-essays/namibians-are-choosing-between-parched-
farmland-and-slums/

6. https://www.namibian.com.na/we-sleep-in-sewage/

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