While the rate of access to sanitation remains low in Namibia, at just 46% in 2023 according to official figures, the government of this southern African country is taking new measures to improve this essential service, the aim of which is to protect health and the environment from the risks associated with the discharge of industrial and domestic wastewater. Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MALWR), Calle Schlettwein, presented these measures at the first Regional Namibia Water Symposium (NRWS), held on 17 and 18 October 2023, under the general theme of “Water and Sanitation for All: Achieving Sustainability and Security”.
Among them is an “innovative” approach that will involve setting up an in-house team of qualified professionals such as masons and plumbers, as well as members of the community. These professionals will be responsible for building new sanitation facilities in the communities. The aim is to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of sanitation projects in Namibia.
The sanitation systems will be accessible and sustainable, i.e. capable of withstanding climate change while preserving people’s health.
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A constructive dialogue on the challenges of sanitation and hygiene will also be set up in the country led by Hage Geingob. It is due to be launched at the African Sanitation Conference (AFRICASAN), which is being held from 6 to 11 November 2023 in Swakopmund, a seaside resort on Namibia’s Atlantic coast. The Namibian government’s ambition is to increase the rate of access to sanitation to 67% by 2027.
Inès Magoum