Nearly half of Windhoek residents struggle to survive in informal areas
N$353m to repair 26 000 potholes across 650 streets this year
More than 220 000 Windhoek residents live in informal settlements, which are growing at an annual rate of 8.2%.
City of Windhoek CEO Moses Matyayi has raised the alarm over the explosive growth of informal settlements, confirming that 224 000 residents – nearly half of the capital\'s population – now live in unplanned, underserved areas.
Matyayi shared this dire statistic during a stakeholder engagement hosted by Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja on Wednesday.
“The City has recorded an annual population growth of 8.2% in informal settlements alone,” Matyayi said, describing the expansion as both a demographic reality and a developmental emergency.
The spike in informal housing, Matyayi warned, is exacerbating long-standing service delivery backlogs and straining already fragile urban infrastructure.
Windhoek, home to over 486 000 people, continues to absorb migrants in search of work, education and better living conditions.
Larandja underscored the impact, noting that \"rising urban poverty and pressure on infrastructure have challenged us to be innovative, responsive and resilient.”
Costly pothole repairs
The stakeholder meeting formed part of statutory public engagements as required by the Local Authority Act, covering all 10 constituencies in Windhoek. During the event, City officials outlined key achievements and obstacles faced between 2020 and 2025.
Acting infrastructure services executive Rowan Adams added that the City has forked out N$353 million repairing potholes caused by the rainy season.
“A total of 26 000 potholes across 650 streets have been fixed this year, and two damaged bridge culverts were replaced,” he reported.
Despite mounting challenges, including financial constraints, ageing infrastructure, and ballooning informal settlements, Larandja reaffirmed the City’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Windhoek is moving forward – because of you, with you, and for you,” she told stakeholders.
Matyayi shared this dire statistic during a stakeholder engagement hosted by Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja on Wednesday.
“The City has recorded an annual population growth of 8.2% in informal settlements alone,” Matyayi said, describing the expansion as both a demographic reality and a developmental emergency.
The spike in informal housing, Matyayi warned, is exacerbating long-standing service delivery backlogs and straining already fragile urban infrastructure.
Windhoek, home to over 486 000 people, continues to absorb migrants in search of work, education and better living conditions.
Larandja underscored the impact, noting that \"rising urban poverty and pressure on infrastructure have challenged us to be innovative, responsive and resilient.”
Costly pothole repairs
The stakeholder meeting formed part of statutory public engagements as required by the Local Authority Act, covering all 10 constituencies in Windhoek. During the event, City officials outlined key achievements and obstacles faced between 2020 and 2025.
Acting infrastructure services executive Rowan Adams added that the City has forked out N$353 million repairing potholes caused by the rainy season.
“A total of 26 000 potholes across 650 streets have been fixed this year, and two damaged bridge culverts were replaced,” he reported.
Despite mounting challenges, including financial constraints, ageing infrastructure, and ballooning informal settlements, Larandja reaffirmed the City’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Windhoek is moving forward – because of you, with you, and for you,” she told stakeholders.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article