Littering causes diseases - Mushelenga

Urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga has urged Namibians to stop littering, while linking disease outbreaks in informal areas to this practice. Mushelenga, who was speaking during World Habitat Day celebrations this past Friday, reminded Namibians to use the materials available to them to collect waste in a responsible manner.The statement was read on his behalf by deputy director of habitat in the ministry, Naomi Simion.“During late 2017, Namibia reported an outbreak of Hepatitis E in Windhoek and most of these cases were from informal settlements. “This virus is linked, to amongst others, poor sanitation and waste management systems. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to address challenges faced in our towns, specifically on the overall provision of basic services in order to achieve Vision 2030, the national development goals and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, as the Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda and other international, regional and national plans,” Mushelenga said. Namibia celebrated World Habitat Day under the theme 'Municipal Solid Waste Management'.In 1985, the United Nations designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day, with the aim to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and the basic right to shelter. Mushelenga said commemorating the day reminds citizens that they have the power and responsibility to change and shape the future of their cities and towns.Windhoek deputy mayor Teckla Uwanga said the City unremittingly strives to maintain a healthy and hygienic environment for all its residents. “There are numerous consequences that come with living in a dirty and unhealthy environment. This can be attested by the recent outbreak of Hepatitis E in the informal settlements, more especially in the Moses Garoeb and Samora Machel constituencies,” she said. She also urged Namibians to change their behaviour and to move away from the culture of illegal dumping and littering, to a more environmentally-sensitive culture.“There is a compelling need for change of behaviour and mindset for us to sustainably keep our City clean under one of our themes, 'My Waste, My Responsibility',” she said. Uwanga added that the matter of municipal waste management is critical to the functionality of any local authority and the responsible treatment of water cannot be overemphasised. “This occasion ably demonstrates that the ministry is seriously focusing on matters of service delivery, with the view to positively impact on the livelihoods of our residents.”JEMIMA BEUKES

Littering causes diseases - Mushelenga

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-30

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Littering causes diseases - Mushelenga

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-30

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