Rundu floods shine a harsh light on planning failures
The recurring floods in Rundu have laid bare long-standing concerns about town planning and the resilience of infrastructure in Namibia’s Kavango East region. As waters rose and homes were damaged, residents voiced frustration that warnings and risk assessments that could have mitigated losses were not acted upon, prompting calls for urgent planning reforms and better emergency response.
What the floods reveal about infrastructure and preparedness
Residents say the floods are not a sudden catastrophe but the result of years of inadequate drainage systems, poorly planned housing clusters, and insufficient flood zoning. Local tensions escalated as homes nearest the river bore the brunt of the surge, with streets turning into fast-moving channels and sewer connections compromised by the rising water. In many neighborhoods, the lack of elevated structures and resilient building codes left families with few options once floodwaters breached thresholds.
Voices from the ground: impact on families
Several families describe the moment water began to rise from street level, forcing them to move to higher ground or seek shelter with relatives. “We warned for years that the river would inundate low-lying areas,” one resident said. “Now we are left picking up the pieces while the next storm approaches.” Local aid groups report a spike in requests for shelter materials, sanitation facilities, and temporary housing support, underscoring the human cost of planning gaps.
The role of local governance and planning frameworks
Rundu Town Council officials acknowledge the challenge of coordinating rapid responses with limited resources. While authorities stress ongoing projects to upgrade drainage and road infrastructure, residents argue that timely approvals and better urban-management policies should have anticipated flood risk decades ago. Critics contend that development approvals did not consistently reflect hazard maps or climate projections, leaving vulnerable neighborhoods exposed during extreme weather events.
What needs to change, according to residents
Several themes emerge from community discussions:
– Strengthened flood zoning and building codes for riverside zones.
– Comprehensive drainage improvement programs designed with climate resilience in mind.
– Clear early-warning communication channels and more effective evacuation planning.
– Transparent, accountable budgeting for infrastructure projects with measurable milestones.
These recommendations are not just about accountability but about practical steps to reduce displacement, protect homes, and preserve livelihoods during the region’s rainy season.
Looking ahead: policy, people, and prevention
Experts emphasize that the path forward requires an integrated approach combining urban planning, climate-resilient design, and robust community engagement. Local authorities are urged to align development plans with hazard assessments and to seek funding for large-scale drainage upgrades, riverbank stabilization, and the reinforcement of critical facilities such as clinics and schools.
Beyond physical infrastructure, building community capacity for emergency response can shorten shelter stays and accelerate recovery for affected households.
Conclusion: accountability and resilience as twin goals
The Rundu floods are more than a weather event; they reflect the consequences of underinvestment in planning and resilience. As residents call for accountability, the broader city must demonstrate that planning decisions protect citizens and adapt to a changing climate. When the next rainfall arrives, the community should see clearer plans, faster action, and fewer families forced from their homes.
