The City of Windhoek, in collaboration with Vivo Energy Namibia, yesterday officially broke ground on a new sanitation hub to improve hygiene and sanitation at Mix settlement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja said the hub, which will include toilets, two water points, and two urinals, is expected to cost N$600 000, with the city covering the remaining balance after funds were raised through the Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon.
She highlighted the partnership between the public and private sectors which made the initiative possible.
“This initiative is evidence of what we can achieve when the public and private sectors collaborate for the common good. Our partnership with Vivo Energy Namibia once again demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing pressing community needs,” she said.
Larandja said the funds for the project were largely raised through the 2024 Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon, which saw record participation of over 3 000 runners.
She said the event generated about N$300 000, and an additional N$50 000 was pledged through the Windhoek Residents Mayoral Trust Fund.
According to City of Windhoek chief executive Moses Matyayi, proceeds from the 2024 Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon were allocated to building sanitation facilities at the Mix settlement area.
“Mix settlement remains part of our priorities and projects we embarked upon together with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development in ensuring that services are actually brought closer to you as the members of this community.
Of course, Windhoek is large, the priorities are big . . . we will not be able to accomplish it in one day.
“Mix settlement is part of the informal settlements that have sprouted within Windhoek, which remains a big priority for the country and for the city of Windhoek,” he says.
Matyayi says of the current population, approximately 54 000 households reside in Windhoek’s informal settlements, presenting a significant challenge for the city.
“The City of Windhoek in itself is continually assessing the growth of the city in ensuring that we can be following the trend of development. The population of Windhoek is currently standing at 486 000 residents.”
Vivo Energy communications manager Lazarus Nafidi says they aim to host one of the biggest marathon events this year.
They will then invest the funds back into the education and health sectors.
