By: Dwight Links
On Monday, the City of Windhoek unveiled its 10-year ‘Smart City’ strategy, which city mayor Sakarias Uunona described as a “transformation of the city over the next decade.”
Uunona said the strategy is an opportunity for the city to advance towards becoming an innovative, inclusive and sustainable city.
This initiative is in partnership with the UN-Habitat, which aids nations worldwide to pivot towards digital adoption for the benefit of their citizens.
“This is to indicate to the residents of the city that digital transformation, technologies, and innovation will be used to improve lives, to create opportunities and ensure that more are not left behind,” noted Uunona.
According to the City, African cities face unique challenges and opportunities.
“We [all] face rapid urbanisation and mobility challenges, climate pressures and the need to create jobs and economic opportunity,” Uunona highlighted.
The recent UN-Habitat conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, also emphasised the greater role and importance of cities in the advancement of improved services and environments.
Namibia’s last census of 2023 confirmed that Windhoek has a swelling population, which now stands at close to 500 000 inhabitants. This brings with it particular needs such as land servicing, affordable housing, and infrastructure to be met.
“These technological advancements are shaping how cities are planned, governed and managed. The question was never when Windhoek embraces technology, but rather about how we enhance this technology responsibly,” the mayor indicated.
STRATEGY NOT YET AVAILABLE
Strategy Advisor for Smart Cities and Transport at the City of Windhoek, Clarence Rupingena, acknowledged that the strategy document cannot yet be released to the general public for perusal, as deliberations are ongoing.
“The strategy has to go to council, and it has to be considered into the next phase of planning and budgeting if accepted,” explained Rupingena.
He led a team of City officials tasked with developing the strategy and ensuring it remains people-centred.
Uunona noted that the overall aim is not to just boast about utilising technology for the Smart City concept, but rather to make people within the city the core focus of the future planning.
“The plan is to achieve a city where mobility is efficient and accessible. Where sustainability and resilience is embedded in every aspect of our urban development,” stated Uunona.
City of Windhoek notes that the strategy will facilitate in meeting its transformative goals. “These include the commercialisation of the city’s fibre optic network,” the mayor said.
The council shared that this would provide a digital spine for the application of the Smart City model, digital governance, connectivity, and innovation.
ON THE HORIZON
Uunona indicated that the council is consulting national development partners and the government on how facets of everyday life can be modernised.
“This is to modernise public transport and to improve urban mobility. This includes the proposed commuter rail services between Windhoek-Katutura-Rehoboth, integrated with the bus services, non-motorised transport infrastructure and transmit-oriented principles,” remarked Uunona.
According to the council, these initiatives are part of the City’s broader connectivity ambitions.
Edlam Yemeru from the UN-Habitat noted that cities across the world are facing rapid urbanisation pains, emphasising the importance of technology serving people.
“Windhoek is no different. Digital tools will allow inhabitants to access housing, education, opportunities and services to participate in city life,” explained Yemeru.
At the same time, she concedes that changes stemming from the digital adoption can generate serious challenges.
“Opportunities are not shared evenly. Digital divides exist, and concerns exist around the benefits shared equitably and equally,” Yemeru noted.
She notes that too often technology is introduced without factoring its sustainable applications and inclusiveness in daily use.
