Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Pressure: Comparing the Sustainability Transition Potential of Water and Energy Regimes in Namibia

Nina Savela,Meri Olenius,Samuel John,Minna M Keinänen-Toivola,Damas Mashauri,Sara Lindeman,Jarkko Levänen,Heikki Koivisto,Nnenesi Kgabi

doi:10.3390/world1020006

Abstract

This article presents a comparative study of the urban water and energy sectors in the coastal city of Walvis Bay in Namibia, where the rapid urbanization places pressure on public infrastructure development. A multidata approach is used to study the ability of the energy and water sectors to adapt to this pressure. Theoretically, the analysis is guided by the systems transition framework. A comparison between the two regimes is made on four dimensions: (1) regime dynamics, (2) level of complexity, (3) level of coordination, and (4) multiplicity of perceptions. The energy regime was found to be more capable of transitioning towards more sustainable practices due to better outcomes in multi-stakeholder engagement, a higher level of transparency, and differing landscape and niche development. The energy regime is also more open for new service providers. The water regime, on the other hand, suffers from overlapping roles and practices as well as non-existent monitoring authorities, which together negatively affect the regime’s transition potential. Both regimes suffer from lack of funding and weak institutional capacities. In conclusion, the transition potential of the studied regimes is found to increase when cross-sectoral governance is strengthened.

Highlights

Faculty of Engineering, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 13388, Namibia; North-West University, Unit for Environmental Science and Management, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Based on our analysis of the energy and water sectors in Walvis Bay, we identify aspects of the sectors that explain their capacity for sustainable transition
We introduce different pressures related to actor network dynamics of the regimes and the technologies used in water management and energy production

Summary

Introduction

Faculty of Engineering, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 13388, Namibia; North-West University, Unit for Environmental Science and Management, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa. This article presents a comparative study of the urban water and energy sectors in the coastal city of Walvis Bay in Namibia, where the rapid urbanization places pressure on public infrastructure development. The water regime, on the other hand, suffers from overlapping roles and practices as well as non-existent monitoring authorities, which together negatively affect the regime’s transition potential. Both regimes suffer from lack of funding and weak institutional capacities. Rapid urbanization generates pressure on public infrastructure development and may provide adequate and fast-enough transitions responses. The energy sector, on the other hand, influences urban development in different ways, including infrastructure development, water distribution, transportation, business opportunities, and food production. Cities play a central role in urban development through their capacity to advance the sustainability agenda in diverse sectors

Results

Discussion

Conclusion