Lack of sufficient public toilets in Windhoek's informal settlements continues to persist.

This has resulted in some residents allegedly privatising toilets as most of them are out of order and not repaired for years.

Okahandja Park is located on the north-western side and is one of the first informal settlements established in Windhoek.

With a population of close to 2,000, Okahandja Park in the Tobias Hainyeko Constituency was created due to rapid urbanisation.

The informal settlement faces some challenges, such as lack of basic services in some parts of it, but sanitation is the main problem.

Public toilets constructed many years ago have become dysfunctional.

Residents are pushed to open defecation and some dug pits to help themselves.

The situation raises serious concerns of degraded living conditions that threaten public health and undermine human dignity.

Residents are unhappy.

“Toilets do not flash because there is no water. Imagine digging; this is a concern to our health, to our grandparents. We have younger children; they might even fall inside there,” said Hanely Kooitjie.

Residents said only two public toilets are in good condition and used by some from distant households.

However, they are often left unclean, resulting in some residents taking responsibility for cleaning and repairing them.

Tired from the effort, they have since claimed ownership and locked them.

Those who privatised public ablution facilities refused to speak on camera but indicated that it cost that much to maintain them.

Those who can afford it can make use of ablution facilities at the open market nearby at a fee of N$2.

“We have around 500 households here, but we only have three or four toilets in this area, which is not enough. So, we are asking them to improve the sanitation facilities for us and build proper toilets,” explained an anonymous resident.

They noted that as older units remain broken, conditions have frequently triggered arguments that escalate into violence.

Residents said proper sanitation feels out of reach, stressing that no community should endure such severe shortages of basic sanitation facilities.

Tobias Hainyeko, Councillor Christopher Likuwa explained the situation.

“I am quite sure that Okahandja Park B does not have many toilets because of the sewer-line situation. I am not aware of any complaints about toilets that are not functioning. However, we are always in contact with the community leaders because we are under the local authority. If they notice that a toilet is not working, they usually write a letter to the community leader and bring it here. We can then contact the City of Windhoek to assess the problem and determine how the toilet can be repaired.”

He indicated that the City of Windhoek currently has no budget to renovate the public toilets in the settlement. However, some residents are mobilising funds to carry out repairs.

He warned residents against claiming public toilets for private use or restricting access.

The City of Windhoek has not yet responded to the questions sent by NBC News.