By: Mathias Hangala
The City of Windhoek (CoW) has encouraged residents to turn waste into income through recycling initiatives spearheaded by the city.
Speaking at the Mayoral Clean-Up Campaign launch in Windhoek over the weekend, CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya highlighted the importance of community participation in keeping the environment clean and utilising waste for economic benefits.
“The waste collected from the community is brought to this specific centre, sorted, and taken for recycling. If we join hands and do the right thing to keep our environment clean, waste can be very useful in generating income for us. The City of Windhoek Recycling Centre, also known as the Buy-back Centre, has been operational for almost two to three years,” said Amutenya.
She explained that residents engaging in recycling will receive incentives for their efforts.
“The general understanding should be about the procedures. When you collect your waste, you need to sort it properly before taking it to the recycling centre. Once sorted, the colleagues at the centre will weigh it, and you will receive cash or coupons in return. The idea is to ensure that your efforts benefit you,” she added.
Amutenya also emphasised the importance of avoiding the burning of refuse, as it poses health hazards. She urged residents to inform the City when waste piles up instead of resorting to burning.
On the potential for Namibia to process waste into finished goods locally, she expressed optimism, stating that the country has the potential to develop such initiatives.
Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona echoed Amutenya’s sentiments, stating that maintaining the city’s cleanliness is a shared responsibility among stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil societies, and residents.
“This campaign serves as a platform for collaboration with key partners and stakeholders in the waste management sector to promote sustainable waste practices,” Uunona said.
He noted that Windhoek was once Africa’s cleanest city between 2005 and 2014, a title it held with pride. However, in recent years, the city has seen a decline in its rankings, with Kigali now leading the way.
Uunona pointed out that several factors have contributed to Windhoek’s decline in cleanliness rankings, including rapid population growth, expansion of municipal boundaries, and the rise of informal settlements.
In 2011, Windhoek’s population was approximately 340,000 residents. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s 2023 housing and population census, this figure has grown to around 486,186, with informal settlements expanding at an annual rate of 8.2%.
“This segment of the population is projected to double every 11 years compared to 21 years for the overall city population. These demographic realities highlight the urgency for coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable interventions in waste management, infrastructure planning, and community engagement,” Uunona said.
He also called on stakeholders to spread the message of responsible waste management and instill a culture of environmental pride, particularly among the youth.
Moses //Garoeb Constituency Councillor Stefanus Ndengu, in a speech read on his behalf by Fransina Kokati, stressed that keeping the environment clean is not just about aesthetics, but critical for protecting health, preserving natural resources, and ensuring a sustainable future. He urged residents to take a collective responsibility for reducing plastic consumption, promoting recycling initiatives, and disposing of waste responsibly.
Meanwhile, Havana resident Josef Shindodola highlighted the need for Namibians to be equipped with knowledge on processing waste locally, rather than shipping it abroad. He called on those with expertise to take responsibility for educating others.
The Mayoral Clean-Up Campaign aims to inspire community collaboration and environmental stewardship, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming Windhoek’s title as Africa’s cleanest city.
