The accelerated influx of migrants into Windhoek after the attainment of independence in 1990
caused progressive settlement growth on open council-owned land as well as considerable
shelter and servicing problems for the Windhoek City Council (WCC). This study analyses the
spatial growth of informal settlements in Windhoek over a 10 year period from 1998 to 2008.
The study use GIS as a tool to measure and analyse the spatial growth and development of
informal settlements. It involves the mapping exercise to generate a sequential process of
assessing the feasibility study that helped in the selection of two detailed case studies. Results of
the analysis show two patterns of informal settlement development: between 1998-2003 and
2003 to 2008. The first is the acceleration of development of shanty towns immediately after
independence to 1988 as associated with processes of spatial consolidation and densification in
the former period and increased sprawl in the latter period.
Second the study analysed the socio-economic characteristics of informal settlements. This was
complemented by livelihood assessment (LA) that was used in identifying the types of livelihoods
and coping mechanisms used by residents of informal settlements. The livelihoods assessment
clearly shows that most of the people in informal settlements rely heavily on informal sector
activities for a living. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected households to explore
their coping strategies and survival mechanisms and also to determine how their earnings are
being distributed.
The continued growth of squalid and unplanned informal settlements is a clear indication that
policies and practices need further intervention and regularization. The establishment of reception
areas between 1991 and 1999 proved futile. The reception areas attracted more people instead
of controlling the growth. Pit latrine toilets are provided in all the settlements but people do not
use them and this is a major human and environmental threat.
The study shows that the population growth has a significant impact on the growth of informal
settlements in Windhoek. The study also shows that the livelihood assessment of households
assist with a better understanding of household’s coping mechanisms and this will assist the city
Council in making informed decisions when addressing the needs of the people. Livelihood
assessment is a tool that assists with the better understanding of the affordability levels of lowincome
people, therefore assisting the city Council in providing services that align with the
affordability levels of the residents.