Sanitation crisis declared priority as N$34m rollout accelerates

The government is treating the country’s sanitation and housing challenges as a matter of urgency following the allocation of N$34 million, with plans already underway to fast-track implementation across the country.

Prime minister Elijah Ngurare made this announcement in the National Assembly on Tuesday, saying part of the disaster management budget has been earmarked for sanitation interventions.

He said a committee is currently finalising a strategic implementation plan to guide the rollout of sanitation programmes nationwide.

While sanitation has not yet been officially declared a national emergency, Ngurare said discussions are ongoing and a final report will be submitted to Cabinet in the coming weeks before being tabled in the National Assembly.

“Every school and community deserves dignity. Although the N$34 million allocated to sanitation may not be enough, the president has directed that the programme be rolled out as a matter of urgency to ensure all 121 constituencies are catered for,” he said.

The move comes amid growing concerns over inadequate sanitation infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements.

The Namibia Statistics Agency’s 2023 Population and Housing Census report says about 40% of households in Namibia still lack access to basic toilet facilities, with many residents continuing to practice open defecation.

The government has identified improved sanitation and housing as critical components of efforts to improve public health, dignity and living conditions, especially among vulnerable communities.

Further details on the implementation strategy and allocation of funds are expected once Cabinet considers the committee’s recommendations.