Auasblick building sites deemed ‘inhumane’

Environmental management consultancy Enviro Dynamics has raised serious concerns over what it describes as an alarming trend at some construction sites in Windhoek, where workers are reportedly subjected to unhygienic and inhumane conditions.The consultancy’s representative, Stephanie van Zyl, pointed out that many private building sites, with particular reference to Auasblick Extension 1, fail to meet the minimum legal requirements set out in the municipality's health regulations and national health and safety regulations.An absence of toilets, among other issues, also poses a threat to the City’s valuable underground water resources, the consultancy warned in a letter to the Windhoek municipality and the labour ministry, this month. “The workers at these construction sites are unfairly exposed to very unhygienic and inhumane conditions since they are not provided with the minimum requirements of basic hygiene and conditions which respect their dignity,” the letter states. "These are the basic requirements, not to mention ventilation, personal protective clothing, eating space, etc. Besides the health risk for the workers, the violation of their basic rights and dignity, the pollution resulting from the conditions at these sites is highly concerning and a high risk for the city if this practice is allowed to continue.”Public water at risk Van Zyl noted that regulations require separate latrine facilities for men and women employees, as well as on-site washing and water facilities. Failure to comply, she warned, poses a growing environmental threat to Windhoek’s groundwater protection zone, particularly given the presence of two boreholes in the Auasblick Extension 1 area."The sewage and lack of washing facilities lead to the workers relieving and washing themselves in the open veld, and because of the nature of the underlying aquifer, these pollutants are reaching the city’s highly valuable underground water resource," the consultancy warned. "Therefore, not only is this an unacceptable situation for the workers and the public involved, but it is also negatively affecting the city’s drinking water."Serious concern Enviro Dynamics appealed to the City and relevant authorities to take swift action.“We trust that as good stewards of your regulations and of the human and environmental assets of the city, you will act quickly to rectify these situations at these premises and put in place measures to ensure workers are treated with dignity at the workplace, particularly these labourers at private residences."Responding to the complaint, the labour ministry's spokesperson Maria Hedimbi confirmed to Namibian Sun on Friday that the ministry had received the letter and is taking the matter seriously. “Investigations into the matter will commence as soon as possible. The ministry is committed to investigate any form of labour violation to ensure compliance,” she said.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Auasblick building sites deemed ‘inhumane’

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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Auasblick building sites deemed ‘inhumane’

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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