Africa-Press – Namibia.
Workers from the City of Windhoek Solid Waste Department have vowed to continue with their ongoing strike over wages and employment conditions until their conditions are met.
The strike, which began on 9 October 2025, has now entered its second week.
The industrial action involves cleaners who are primarily responsible for litter picking, street sweeping and general cleaning services in various residential and business areas of Windhoek.
A group of workers has set up a makeshift camp in the area situated between Dortmund and Newcastle streets near Chinatown, declaring their intention to stay there until their requests are considered.
John Paporo, who speaks for the Solid Waste Management Division, said the strike stems from dissatisfaction with management’s slow reaction to proposals aimed at enhancing wages and job conditions. Workers have voiced frustration over stagnant pay, the strenuous nature of their responsibilities and inadequate benefits.
“The employees are not making excessive demands. They merely want management to acknowledge the proposals we submitted,” he said.
“We are open to discussion, but the strike will carry on until the City shows real dedication to resolving these issues,” he added.
Numerous workers characterised their current pay as insufficient to cope with the increasing cost of living. One cleaner, who preferred anonymity, said: “We exert ourselves daily to ensure the city remains clean, but our compensation does not reflect our hard work. We are entitled to equitable treatment and improved working circumstances”.
City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya affirmed that the strike has legal protection under the Labour Act and that management has adhered to the necessary protocols.
“The City of Windhoek recognises the legally protected strike initiated by fixed-term contract ward cleaners in the Solid Waste Management Division as of 9 October 2025,” she said.
“Our priority is to ensure the strike occurs lawfully, peacefully and with full consideration of public safety,” she added.
Amutenya pointed out the City’s initiatives to enhance work conditions over recent years, including the 2018 decision to insource cleaning staff, replacing outside contractors to provide better socio-economic safeguards.
She said that cleaners earn a total monthly salary of N$5 095. 70, which includes a basic salary of N$3 300, transport allowance of N$800, alongside contributions towards pension, medical and social security. “Although there have been notable advancements in the working conditions for employees, we acknowledge the new wage and benefits proposals that have been submitted for review,” Amutenya stated. “These proposals will be presented to the Council later in October. Management will continue to engage with employees through their representatives, fostering a spirit of constructive conversation,” she said.
The City has put in place alternative measures to minimise interruptions to waste collection and urged residents to manage their waste disposal responsibly throughout the strike period. “We remain dedicated to upholding essential services,” Amutenya said.
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