Residents of Windhoek's Havana informal settlement gathered for a meeting to address poor public services, including restroom hygiene, vandalism, and misuse.

The settlement, home to about 8,000 people across 14 blocks, lacks adequate sanitation. Of 18 public toilets installed after years of resident demands, only 11 work; seven are closed due to leaks. Families share two toilets per 20 households, forcing women and children to travel unsafely to other blocks.

The meeting focused on better facility management. Leaders urged residents to take responsibility rather than just demanding improvements.

"That's why we called this meeting," said Absai Shoongo, Chairperson of Havana Community Extension 1. "Some believe the toilets belong to the City of Windhoek, not them. Early settlers had no toilets—the community requested them and volunteered to maintain them."

Community member Baileys Amunyela called for locking toilets at all times. "People from as far as Havana come to use them and vandalise them," he said. "Committee members should agree on key holders per house to ensure accountability."

Some residents welcomed the push for accountability to protect limited resources, while others said the government must provide proper sanitation. Residents have begun locking toilets to enforce stricter rules and maintain hygiene.