Namibia's Urbanisation Time Bomb

Namibia is grappling with an alarming rate of urbanisation, most evident in the informal settlements surrounding the City of Windhoek (CoW). The preliminary results of the 2023 census revealed that Namibia’s urban population has surged by 65.5% between 2011 and 2023, whereas the rural population increased by a slower rate of 26.3% during the same period. This disparity highlights the rapid urbanisation trend, with more people moving to cities for better opportunities. However, this influx leads to the mushrooming of informal settlements, a testament to rapid population growth and a stark reminder of the socio-economic challenges accompanying it. The plight of residents like Kafidi (not his real name) underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for a strategic response.

Kafidi’s journey is symbolic of many Namibians’ struggles. He migrated from northern Namibia to the CoW in search of better opportunities, only to find himself living in the CoW’s largest informal settlement, Goreangab Farm 508, with his unemployed uncle and aunt. Like many others, this settlement is a maze of makeshift homes lacking basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. Moreover, it is home to about 80,000 residents. The conditions are harsh, and the promise of a better life in the city seems like a distant dream for many residents.

The rapid growth of informal settlements in the CoW can be traced to several underlying factors. Rural poverty drives many to seek better livelihoods in urban areas. However, the city’s infrastructure and job market are ill-prepared to handle this influx. As a result, unemployment and underemployment are rampant, and affordable housing is virtually non-existent. This forces many, including Kafidi and his family, to settle in informal areas where they live in squalor and uncertainty.

Economic hardship is a constant in Goreangab Farm 508. Without formal employment, residents turn to informal, unstable sources of income. Kafidi’s uncle and aunt spend their days looking for temporary jobs in construction or domestic work at traffic lights in the Central Business District (CBD). Still, these opportunities are scarce and poorly paid. The lack of stable income makes it nearly impossible for them to improve their living conditions or plan for the future. This economic trap perpetuates a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.

The living conditions in Goreangab Farm 508 pose significant public health risks. The absence of clean water and proper sanitation facilities leads to frequent outbreaks of diseases like Hepatitis E. For Kafidi and his family, accessing medical care is a daunting challenge. The nearest clinic, Hakahana, is several kilometres away, and even when they manage to get there, it is often overcrowded and under-resourced. These health challenges are further exacerbated by poor nutrition and the physical stress of living in cramped, unhygienic conditions.

Education, often seen as a pathway out of poverty, is another area where the residents of Goreangab Farm 508 face significant obstacles. Schools are overcrowded and underfunded, and many children must walk long distances to attend classes. The financial burden of school fees, uniforms, and supplies is a significant barrier for families like Kafidi’s. Prioritising education becomes difficult when immediate needs such as food and shelter take precedence. Thus, this lack of access to quality education further entrenches the cycle of poverty, limiting future opportunities for these children.

The Namibian government has recognised the challenges of rapid urbanisation, but efforts to address the issue have been insufficient. Initiatives to improve housing, infrastructure, and services in informal settlements have not kept pace with the growing population. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive policies that address both the immediate needs of residents and the underlying causes of urban poverty. Investing in affordable housing, creating jobs, and improving access to education and healthcare are critical steps. Additionally, empowering local communities to participate in planning and development processes can ensure solutions are tailored to their needs.

The private sector and civil society also have crucial roles to play. Businesses can invest in local economies by creating jobs and supporting small enterprises. Non-governmental organisations can provide essential services and advocate for the rights of informal settlement residents. Partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society can lead to innovative solutions that address the multifaceted challenges of urbanisation. For instance, public-private partnerships can fund the development of affordable housing and infrastructure, while community-based organisations can ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard.

Namibia stands at a crossroads. The country’s urbanisation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The plight of residents in informal settlements like Goreangab Farm 508 serves as a wake-up call. Without urgent and coordinated action, the cycle of poverty will continue to deepen, threatening the future of countless Namibians. Kafidi’s story is just one among many, but it highlights the broader issues at play. By addressing the root causes of urban poverty and investing in sustainable development, Namibia can transform its urbanisation crisis into a catalyst for positive change. The time to act is now, before the urbanisation time bomb explodes, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s future.