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

Abstract

• Opsomming: Sanitasie in Windhoek tussen die wêreldoorloë was primitief en onbevredigend. 'n Emmerstelsel is tot 1932 in die blanke dorp gebruik, toe spoelriolering ingestel is. In die lokasie is oop slote tot 1933 gebruik, waarna kommunale spoelsloottoilette in gebruik geneem is. Ten spyte van die toestande was die dorpsmense gesond. Geen epidemies het in die tydperk as gevolg van sanitasietoestande voorgekom nie. Deur gesondheidsdienste en -geriewe is sake betreklik doeltreffend gehanteer, ten spyte van 'n tekort aan geld en opgeleide personeel. Minder sukses is egter behaal in die bestryding van geslagsiektes onder die swart bevolking.

• Summary: 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.