Anonymous Interview: Challenges Faced by the Community in Havana, Windhoek: A Closer Look at Municipal Services, Healthcare, and Unemployment

Anonymous Interview: Challenges Faced by the Community in Havana, Windhoek: A Closer Look at Municipal Services, Healthcare, and Unemployment

November 18, 2024 – Havana, Windhoek Life in Havana, a settlement located in the outskirts of Windhoek, presents its residents with a range of challenges, many of which stem from systemic issues that persist despite promises from political parties and government institutions. Living in a community where resources are scarce, Anonymous X Hakahana—a local resident—shared valuable insights into the everyday struggles faced by the people in Havana, shedding light […]

November 18, 2024 71

Opinion Pieces

Affordable Housing: A Key Driver for Sustainable Development

Monday, 4 November 2024 - Affordable housing is one of the key aspects for development in Namibia. In response to the country's pressing housing needs, Old Mutual Namibia launched its Housing Fund in August 2024. With an initial capital of N$50 million, the initiative is set to provide critical financial support for affordable housing projects, aimed at addressing the growing demand for accessible and affordable housing in the […]

November 4, 2024 10

Namibia

Census report to guide policy and development

The Namibia Statistics Agency has officially launched the main report of the 2023 Census, providing an in-depth view of the country's population demographics, housing conditions, and essential statistical indicators. This comprehensive release will support informed decision-making for policies and resource allocation across various sectors. Speaking at the launch event, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamhata, Chairperson of the Statistics Board Committee, highlighted the importance of the report in driving evidence-based policy. […]

October 30, 2024 29

Namibia

Walvis Bay Council faces challenges identifying Otweya fire victims

Walvis Bay Rural constituency councillor, Florian Tegako Donatus says the process of identifying the true victims of the Otweya informal settlement fire is delayed due to false claims from people pretending to need aid. The council, alongside the government, is working to ensure assistance, such as food, blankets, and clothes, reaches those genuinely affected. Donatus also mentioned that strategies are being developed to prevent future fires.

October 15, 2024 19

Namibia

Windhoek approves 5-year electrification plan

The Windhoek Municipal Council has approved a five-year plan to bring electricity to 4,000 homes in informal settlements. The project, which started on Wednesday, is part of the City’s effort to improve living conditions in these areas. It includes providing power to 249 households and installing street lights, along with medium- and low-voltage networks. Here’s the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni.

September 19, 2024 22

Africa

Fire safety tips at home: the risks and how to avoid them

By Rhoda Afriyie Mensah, Luleå University of Technology In many African communities, fire hazards are a concern due to the materials used for building and daily activities such as cooking and heating. The risks are increased by the use of highly flammable materials in homes and the absence of fire prevention measures. A major fire in a Johannesburg building in 2023, for example, claimed dozens of lives […]

September 12, 2024 16

Africa

Kenya is badly prepared for floods: four steps to reduce devastation and deaths

By Augustine Kiptum, University of Sussex Floods in Kenya in April/May 2024 led to the deaths of over 250 people and caused damage estimated at 4 billion Kenya shillings (US$35 million). Not for the first time, Kenya’s lack of preparedness was apparent as flooding rampaged through rural and urban landscapes. There was also confusion as to who would deal with the disaster – the national […]

May 22, 2024 19

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Oshiwambo

Oshiwana mo mudingonoko wa Havana mo Windhoek , sha hafela eenghendabala doku hovela no ilonga yo ku tunga oshipangelo.

Ovakalimo va dja meenele do malukanda moshilando pangelo moWindhoek ova tambulako no maoko ashambekela eenghendabala de pangelo eshi la kufa etokolo oku va etela endiki lo uhaku popepi navo. Oshiwana sha dja mo malukanda ayooloka oshilando pangelo, onghela okwali sha ka kala eendombwedi de hovelo loilonga yo kutunga oshipangelo sha kula momudingonoko wa Windhoek, osho tashi tengenekwa shi ka kale sha fikamifwapo ko shimaliwa shee N$16 billion, tashi ka tungwa […]

May 17, 2024 26 2 6

Africa

Kenya’s devastating floods expose decades of poor urban planning and bad land management

By Sean Avery, King's College London Floods in Kenya killed at least 169 people between March and April 2024. The most catastrophic of these deaths occurred after a flash flood swept through a rural village killing 42 people. Death and destruction have also occurred in the capital, Nairobi, a stark reminder of the persistent failure to keep abreast of the city’s rapid urbanisation needs. Sean Avery, who […]

May 2, 2024 28