Towards ecological sustainable sanitation : Oshiwana Penduka informal settlement

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study undertakes a scientific investigation into the social and environmentalproblems encountered by the Oshiwana Penduka informal settlement as a result of thelack of a proper sanitation system. This informal settlement is located on the peripheryof the municipal boundaries of the town of Mariental in Southern Namibia, about 270kilometres south of the capital, Windhoek. The unique problem faced by the settlementis the absence of sanitation facilities or sewage system as a method of solid wastemanagement. Needless to say, the informal settlement is characterized byovercrowding, poor sanitation, lack of housing, unemployment and poverty. From theliterature review, it became clear that inadequate water supply and sanitation posedserious implications to the physical environment and human health. The literature alsoreveals that these core challenges are propagated by the continual influx of people tourban areas and the re-birth of irregular settlements.In light of the above, the problem statements to be addressed are the following, namely:what is the impact of the absence of a proper and sustainable sanitation system on theinhabitants of the Oshiwana Penduka informal settlement and what can be done by theMariental Municipality to address the concerns raised?The key research methods applied for this study entails individual semi-structuredquestionnaires and key informant groups. The answers to the interviewed questionsare highlighted in chapter four and the interpretation of the research findings areconstituted in the latter chapter. The hypothesis was proven false and the new model ofthinking generated is suggesting that the prevailing social and environmental problemsare caused by the absence of toilet facilities. It is evident to note from the study resultsthat the negative social impact, which is being attributed by inadequate sanitation in theinformal settlement, is severe and lethal to human health. In order to prove thehypothesis, data has been collected at household levels from the informal settlers. Despite the survey results which support the conventional water borne sanitation as themost preferred sanitation system, vacuum system as an ecological sanitationtechnology is recommended for this informal settlement. This particular sanitationsystem works on the principle of enhancing water conservation, recycling, reduction ofhealth, and promotes environmental integrity.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University