Namibian president demands infrastructure match housing growth
President Nandi-Ndaitwah warns that towns and cities risk public health crises if water and sewerage systems cannot cope with new homes.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has instructed municipalities to expand water supply and sanitation infrastructure alongside new housing projects across Namibia. She stated on Friday in Swakopmund that existing bulk infrastructure in many towns is nearing its capacity due to growing urban populations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that municipalities could create sanitation and public health problems if housing construction continues without sufficient upgrades to existing infrastructure. She stressed that increasing the number of houses without strengthening supporting infrastructure would place further pressure on municipal services already struggling to meet existing demand.
The president highlighted the importance of adequate sanitation for human dignity and improved living conditions. She identified desalination, atmospheric water extraction, and cooperation with Angola on water infrastructure as potential measures to expand Namibia’s water supply.
Why it mattersNamibian residents in towns and cities face potential sanitation and public health issues if housing development outpaces essential infrastructure upgrades.