A Study Of The 2011 Floods On Human Security In Namibia: A Case Study Of The Oshoopala Informal Settlement In Oshakati

ABSTRACT

This thesis is a result of a study carried out to determine the extent to which the 2011 floods affected basic human security needs in the Oshoopala informal settlement in the Oshana region of northern Namibia. Northern Namibia experienced severe floods in the seasons 2007-2008, 2009-2010 and 2011. The contemporary human security concept has been broadened to encompass issues such as natural disasters that include floods, drought and disease because of their impact on human survival in comparison to effects of war, genocide and terrorism. The study adopted a qualitative research design, in which interviews and document analysis were employed to collect data. The study revealed that the 2011 flooding had devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of the inhabitants of the Oshoopala informal settlement. The major cause of the flooding was attributed to the location of the Oshoopala informal settlement in a low-lying area where water collects. Notable in the study is that no life was lost as a direct result of floods. However, people had limited basic needs such as food, education, shelter and good sanitary facilities. This study concluded that the 2011 floods had an adverse impact on the human security needs of the inhabitants of the Oshoopala informal settlement. The study recommends a plan of action involving the Oshakati Town Council, the Government, the Disaster and Risk Management Department and the affected community to find a lasting solution to flood-related human insecurities in the Oshoopala informal settlements and other places.