Windhoek’s public transport still fails people with disabilities

The City of Windhoek’s public transport system continues to fail people with disabilities, despite Namibia’s promises of inclusion and equal access.

A recent study by Josua Amukwaya, a visually impaired University of Namibia graduate, says those with mobility and vision impairments still struggle daily to navigate the city.

“Transport is key to social inclusion,” Amukwaya says. “If you can’t get where you need to go, everything else becomes impossible.”

According to Amukwaya’s report, most municipal buses lack basic accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps, tactile signage or audio announcements to help visually impaired passengers know where they are.

Instead, wheelchair users are often carried onto buses by hand, a practice Amukwaya says robs them of both dignity and independence.

“Imagine being lifted onto a bus in front of strangers. It’s humiliating,” he says. “It’s not just about getting from one place to another; it’s about being treated as an equal citizen.”

The challenges extend beyond infrastructure. According to Amukwaya’s interviews, many commuters with disabilities endure discrimination from bus drivers, conductors and even fellow passengers.

According to his findings, a visually impaired student told him she stopped going to school altogether because she could not bear insults like, “You are too heavy to pick up,” and the stares she received when boarding public transport.

“That story broke my heart. But she later said it strengthened her resolve and she decided to keep studying because staying home wouldn’t change anything,” Amukwaya says.

Amukwaya insists that without binding policy, consistent funding and full participation of disability groups, accessibility will remain an empty slogan.

“Accessibility is not a favour. It is a right that’s been denied for far too long,” he adds.

In response, the City of Windhoek acknowledges the concerns and describes Amukwaya’s research as “valuable input”.

“The municipality admits current communication, mainly printed timetables and public announcements, is not accessible to all. We are exploring inclusive alternatives such as braille schedules, tactile maps and audio route updates,” city spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Desert FM.

She says a few low-floor buses with accessibility features have been introduced and that their sustainable urban transport master plan prioritises universal design, staff training and accessible signage.

However, she says formal consultations with disability groups have not yet taken place, though the municipality plans on engaging such organisations to guide future improvements.

The city’s long-term infrastructure plans include pedestrian crossings, ramps and audio alerts at major bus stops, with broader efforts to make municipal offices, parks and sidewalks more accessible.

“We encourage collaboration and feedback as we work together to make Windhoek a city that everyone can navigate with independence and dignity,” Amutenya says.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.