Walvis Bay drowns in filth and neglect

Walvis Bay residents have raised alarm over deteriorating living conditions at the once pristine port town, which is marked by filth, failing infrastructure, and poor municipal service delivery.

The Walvis Bay Constituencies Youth Forum spearheaded a passionate petition delivered last week, highlighting the shocking state of the town and demanding urgent government intervention.

Residents, especially in Kuisebmond, are forced to navigate streets lined with overflowing dustbins and riddled with potholes.

Raw sewage, illegal dumping, and broken infrastructure are now daily realities at the coastal town that is a vital economic gateway.



Petition



The petition, signed and submitted by Youth Forum representatives Patrisia Munyala and Aune Shindongo, criticises the municipality for inaction and urges the urban development minister James Sankwasa to intervene.

“Something must be done and must be done quickly with no delay!” the petition reads.

Munyala, who is the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency Youth Forum chairperson, said the town is in a deplorable state.

The town has become extremely dirty, especially in areas like Kuisebmund, where dustbins are not regularly emptied.

"Our roads are so damaged that they now feel like gravel roads, which is unacceptable for a town of such economic importance," Munyala said, further calling for immediate and urgent action to clean the town and fix our roads.

"This situation must change now,” she stated, adding, “I also want to caution those engaging in illegal dumping, please stop. You are worsening an already serious health and environmental crisis."

Munyala said the youth forum is ready to work with all stakeholders to bring positive change.

"I urge our leaders, councillors, the mayor, and the CEO to act responsibly. Walvis Bay deserves better,” Munyala said.

Walvis Bay residents said the coastal town’s status as Namibia’s economic hub, home to the nation’s busiest port, key fishing operations, and a growing tourism sector, is under threat.

The youth forum has invited Sankwasa to witness the conditions firsthand.



Acknowledgement



Walvis Bay municipality acknowledged the issues in a media statement dated 9 May.

The municipality cited ageing infrastructure, illegal dumping, and population growth as contributing factors.

It also detailed a series of ongoing and upcoming interventions, with waste management as one of the key issues.

The statement said a revised five-day refuse removal schedule is now in place, and external contractors have been hired, and five new compactor trucks are expected by July 2025.

The “Team-Up-2-Clean-Up” campaign has resumed in hotspot areas, while sewer upgrades and rerouting in Kuisebmond are nearly complete.

Road Maintenance

A pothole repair program involving municipal crews and external contractors is ongoing, with plans to expand capacity through new contractor appointments.

The municipality appealed for patience, stating, “We assure residents that efforts are ongoing and that tangible improvements are being prioritised.”

While the municipality has presented a roadmap for improvement, the pressure from residents continues.

For many, this is not just about roads and refuse, it’s about dignity, accountability, and a better quality of life in one of Namibia’s most important towns.

As Munyala stressed, “Walvis Bay deserves better.”

The people have spoken; it is up to leadership to respond urgently.