Waste management at the national level is generally underdeveloped in Namibia. With the second lowest population density globally, centralised waste disposal becomes more costly due to high transportation costs (van Jaarsveldt et al. 2022). The primary method of waste disposal in Namibia involves landfilling, with waste burning at landfill sites prevalent practice. However, recent policy adjustments mandate municipal landfill facilities to meet specified minimum standards and promote the gradual elimination of burning (van Jaarsveldt et al. 2022). Namibia is experiencing significant socio-economic development endeavours aimed at industrialising the country by 2030 (Fry et al. 2020). Since gaining independence, industrial output has significantly increased, leading to an increase in the volume of solid waste generated (Fry et al. 2020). Approximately thirty companies contribute significantly to industrial waster generation in the country, primarily within the mining and food sectors. Only wastewater and medical waste undergo treatment (van Jaarsveldt et al. 2022). Currently there are facilities for disposing of electronic waste in Windhoek (van Jaarsveldt et al. 2022).
It is said that communities in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are disproportionally affected by industrial pollution compared to more developed nations. Pollutants generated through industrial processes contains infectious pathogens and is frequently oxidising, corrosive, harmful, toxic and carcinogenic, thus threatening human health and safety. In Namibia and across African nations, there is limited information and data concerning pollution, leading to minimal public discussion and policy formulation within these regions (Fry et al. 2020). Recognising the connections between human health, biodiversity, and the environment is crucial for safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems, as well as enhancing or preserving human well-being and quality of life (Fry et al. 2020).
References
Fry, K.L., Wheeler, C.A., Gillings, M.M., Flegal, A.R. and Taylor, M.P., 2020. Anthropogenic contamination of residential environments from smelter As, Cu and Pb emissions: Implications for human health. Environmental Pollution, 262, p.114235.
Khoshsepehr, Z., Alinejad, S. and Alimohammadlou, M., 2023. Exploring industrial waste management challenges and smart solutions: An integrated hesitant fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 420, p.138327.
van Jaarsveldt, D., Hauser, J., Massie, V., 2022. Stimulating sustainable resource use by industry in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana: An analysis of waste management, waste use and minimisation in industry.