Only 200 toilets for 3 000 in Lüderitz informal areas

The Lüderitz town council is struggling with sanitation challenges in its informal settlements, where about 3 000 people rely on an estimated 200 toilets.

This is according to a report compiled by the standing committee on transport, infrastructure and housing following visits to the urban and rural development ministry’s national projects on sanitation in 13 regions between 10 February and 18 March.

All regions were visited except Kavango West.

The report, tabled in parliament, states that the Area 7 informal settlement in Lüderitz has a population of between 300 and 400 households, and received 28 toilets in 2019.

"Despite the 28 toilets constructed in Area 7, people are still accustomed to open defecation."

The report further noted that the Amilema informal settlement has 24 flush toilets, which are maintained by the residents.

Careless maintenance

The Sand Hotel informal settlement has 18 constructed toilets, of which only two function.

"The community of Sand Hotel expressed dissatisfaction, saying that the facility is not given care since it's open to everyone. When one of the two toilet blocks becomes dysfunctional, the Lüderitz authority closes everything."

It said due to the carelessness of both the Sand Hotel community and the town council, sanitation facilities are in a dilapidated state and require urgent attention.

"Sand Hotel infrastructure was closed and replaced by temporary ones due to vandalism by the community, who stole the sanitation infrastructure such as shower heads and toilets."

The committee said in its recommendations that the Sand Hotel informal settlement is in an unsanitary state and not fit for human occupation, hence the urgent need for the issue of sanitation to be addressed by all government stakeholders.