Experiences of Okahandja park informal settlement residents with the covid-19 preventative measures in Khomas region
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Date
2023
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
About seventy percent (70%) of Namibia's population comprises of people who live in circumstances that provide limited protection against the Coronavirus disease (COVID 19). One of Windhoek's informal communities, Okahandja Park lacks access to potable water, proper sanitation, and basic housing. It is also overcrowded. This study's goal was to discover and characterise how Okahandja Park informal settlement residents experienced the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. The study used the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) method and was qualitative. The study’s sample comprised of twenty-seven residents from Okahandja Park who were older than eighteen years. The data gathered was collected with high ethical standards in line with the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) ethical clearance standards. Data was collected using four focus group discussions, in-depth face-to-face interviews as research techniques. The Theory of Tesch, which produces themes and subthemes, was used to analyse the data. The investigation found that the Okahandja Park informal settlement residents were required to wear face masks at all times. The local stores and clinic were overcrowded due to the long lines that resulted from a limited number of people being permitted to enter facilities at a given time. Due to COVID-19, many citizens lost their employment since their employers could no longer afford to pay their monthly salaries. During COVID-19, participants struggled to live due to a lack of food and had to resort to a few coping techniques. Most of the inhabitants lacked sufficient cosmetics to maintain their hygiene practices at home. The study concluded that the WHO preventive measures during the lock down had both an adverse and favourable influence on the Okahandja Park informal settlement residents. The study recommends that public health measures for a pandemic like COVID-19 should be put in place, such that the Office of the President in Namibia and significant NGOs provide food distribution packages to vulnerable populations. In order to improve the informal settlers' abilities and knowledge to run their enterprises successfully, the Namibian Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade, and SMEs Development should offer them training and workshops on SMEs development
Description
A mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Public Health
Keywords
COVID-19, Informal Settlements