Namibia's rapid urbanization challenges land management and infrastructure development
via The Namibian3 min read
Namibia is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to the expansion of informal settlements across the country. A national baseline report identified 419 informal settlements in Namibia's 57 local authorities, with Windhoek accounting for over a third. More than 60% of these settlements are unsurveyed, preventing formal registration and secure tenure for residents. This lack of formalization hinders municipalities from planning infrastructure, installing services, and integrating these communities into urban systems. The report highlights that 98.3% of informal settlements are on land owned by local authorities, indicating municipalities are central to managing urban land. Challenges include the slow implementation of the Flexible Land Tenure Act, which aims to provide affordable land rights, and weak coordination among institutions responsible for land management. The Namibia Housing Information System, a new national dataset, offers a tool for monitoring settlement growth and informing policy. However, data alone is insufficient; coordinated land management systems, financial resources, and skilled professionals are crucial. As urbanization continues, Namibia must prioritize structured urban growth and integrate land management into national development conversations to build inclusive and resilient towns.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, with support from conservation partners, has translocated 575 wild animals from Etosha National Park to conservation areas, including communal conservancies in the Kunene region. Tristan Cowley, founder of Conservation Travel Foundation CTF, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, communities, and conservation organizations for Namibia's conservation success. CTF, the non-profit conservation arm of ultimate.earth, contributed approximately N$2.7 million to the operation. The Kunene region hosts desert-adapted wildlife such as black rhino, elephants, and lions. Conservation partners noted that increasing prey populations is crucial for ecological balance and for reducing human-wildlife conflict. Cowley emphasized the ongoing need for cross-sector collaboration to address conservation challenges, and CTF affirmed its commitment to supporting biodiversity protection and community conservation initiatives.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has announced that playmaker Richie Mo'unga will not be part of the squad for the upcoming "Greatest Rivalry" series against the world champion Springboks. Rennie stated that he has already outlined a team for the first of four Tests next month. Mo'unga, who was New Zealand's playmaker at the last two World Cups, is currently ineligible due to the national union's rules after playing club rugby in Japan. Although he has returned to New Zealand and signed a contract, he remains ineligible until October after completing a season in the domestic provincial competition. Rennie confirmed that Mo'unga will not be joining the tour unless another fly-half sustains an injury. He noted that he observed Mo'unga's "phenomenal" performance while coaching a rival club in Japan. The All Blacks will play against South African domestic sides Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls before the opening Test in Johannesburg on August 22. Rennie indicated that while selectors have a preferred team in mind, every player will have an early opportunity to contend for Test selection.
France and England are set to compete in the World Cup third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday, following their respective semi-final losses. France, who were defeated 2-0 by Spain, and England, who lost 2-1 to Argentina, are both grappling with the disappointment of not reaching the final. England manager Thomas Tuchel stated that neither team's players want to participate in this match, but they will approach it with professionalism. The game marks a significant moment for France coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, concluding a 14-year tenure that included a World Cup victory in 2018. The match could also be crucial for the Golden Boot race, with France captain Kylian Mbappe and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi currently tied at eight goals. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, each with six goals, also have a chance to contend. For Kane, who turns 33 this month, this game might be his last World Cup appearance, though he has not speculated on his international future. Mbappe also has an opportunity to advance in the all-time World Cup scoring charts, currently one goal behind Messi. Both Tuchel and Deschamps are expected to rotate their squads, potentially giving playing time to less-utilized players like Manchester United鈥檚 Kobbie Mainoo and France鈥檚 N鈥橤olo Kante.