Abstract
Ndama, the fastest-growing informal settlement in Rundu, Namibia, faces critical challenges in water accessibility shaped by gender, age, income, and spatial isolation. With women disproportionately responsible for water collection under unsafe and inequitable conditions, our study combines interviews and spatial data to map intersectional vulnerabilities. We developed an interactive tool that simulates real-world constraints—heat, crime, and distance—to inform equitable planning. Complemented by an immersive experience of daily water-fetching struggles, this project supports inclusive decision-making and spatial justice through participatory, data-driven methods tailored to Ndama’s evolving needs.
Context
This study is situated in Rundu, a rapidly growing urban center located at Namibia’s northeastern border with Angola. Rundu serves as the capital of the Kavango East region, although it lies in close proximity to the border of Kavango West. The city’s dynamic position as a border town has significant implications for migration, economic activity, and urban development.
Rundu is currently experiencing substantial demographic and spatial expansion. The population is growing at a rate of 5.4% annually, while the built-up area expands by only 4%, suggesting that infrastructure and housing development are struggling to keep pace. According to the 2023 census, Rundu’s population has surged to over 118,000—an increase of 82,000 since the 2001 census, which recorded only 36,000 inhabitants. Women comprise approximately 54% of the current population.
Ndama, an informal settlement at the south of Rundu, has seen rapid growth, now home to more than 12,000 residents. With an average household size of 6.1, and over 78% of the population under the age of 34, the settlement exhibits a distinctly youthful demographic profile. Given the region’s lower life expectancy, individuals in this age group are often considered middle-aged in local terms.
The socio-economic challenges facing Ndama are particularly acute for women. The overall unemployment rate stands at 43.6%, but this figure rises sharply to 67.2% among women. This is especially concerning when considering that 53% of households are female-headed, placing the burden of economic provision squarely on women’s shoulders. Informal employment accounts for 25.6% of the labor market, with 15.5% of these positions occupied by women. These jobs—typically in informal production, services, and trade—often involve long hours, unstable working conditions, and irregular pay.
In terms of income, the average monthly household income in Ndama is approximately 1,716 Namibian dollars. To contextualize this, it could purchase about 306 eggs or 35 kilograms of rice. Average household savings are only 441 dollars per month—a figure that underscores the settlement’s financial vulnerability. This limited economic buffer leaves households particularly exposed to food shortages and emergencies, directly affecting their access to essential services such as water and transportation.
As one local observer succinctly put it:
“Ndama faces a challenge of unemployment and low income for large households. The houses do not have basic infrastructure including water, which is a necessity, so people must walk to get it—without paved or packed roads.”
Access to water in Ndama is costly and complicated. Households typically rely on three sources: store-bought bottled water, prepaid public taps, or resold water (either river or municipal). The latter is the most affordable option, yet still financially burdensome, particularly since these costs are for drinking water alone. The responsibility of collecting water falls disproportionately on women and children, who must walk long distances, often under harsh conditions.
Transportation is similarly constrained. With no public transit system in place, residents rely on three primary modes of transport: walking, taxis, and private vehicles. Most people walk due to economic necessity. Using taxis for daily commutes can cost as much as 780 Namibian dollars per month—equivalent to 45% of the average household income and exceeding the total income of 27.5% of the population. Consequently, high transport costs reduce available funds for basic necessities, such as food, and reinforce the cycle of poverty.
This blog entry provides only a brief overview of the complex and interrelated challenges faced by residents of Ndama. For a more comprehensive analysis of our findings, including historical context and statistical data, please refer to the accompanying pamphlet.
Obstacles
Research goals:
Our goal is to help local stakeholders prioritize where and how to improve water access — especially for the women as the most affected group.
Research outcomes:
To do this, we created a data collection tool, which enables local stakeholders to gather and input the necessary information into a database that feeds the dynamic vulnerability and impact maps.
Workflow
We interpreted different datasets in order to understand the current condition in Rundu. First we looked upon conditions influencing the water accessibility and
