Sanitation and health conditions in Windhoek, South West Africa, under South African rule between 1915 and 1939

Abstract

Sanitation in Windhoek between the world wars was primitive and unsatisfactory. A bucket system was in use in the white town until 1932, when water-borne sewage was introduced. In the location open trenches sufficed until 1933, when communal trough flush toilets were introduced. Despite these conditions, the town was healthy, with no epidemics occurring as a result of poor sanitation. Health services and facilities managed to cope fairly well, despite financial stringencies and a lack of qualified staff. However, the combating of venereal disease among the black population was less successful.