What started as a dream has now transitioned to a community-driven solution aimed at restoring dignity and improving public health in the two Kavango regions.
According to the founder of Flushh, the idea of mobile toilets was born from experience rather than market theory. The company’s founder, Kaveto Tjatjara, recalls a defining moment a year ago, during a visit to his grandmother’s village, where the lack of sanitation facilities forced him to use the bush to relieve himself.
That experience stayed with him and turned into a very defining moment for him and his community, because it was not just about discomfort but dignity.
“Growing up, similar scenes were common whenever family trips were made to villages about 35 kilometres outside town. Bushes and pit latrines were the only options, often unhygienic, foul-smelling and unsafe. Pit latrines were always worse. Before you even got close, just by looking at them, you knew you didn’t want to step inside. It was only when we travelled back to town that we truly appreciated what a proper toilet means,” he said.
According to statistics provided by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), last year, 50.5% of households in the two Kavango regions did not have toilets.
Despite the two regions being densely populated, lack of sanitation remains a major challenge.
More than 70% of people in the Kavango regions reportedly do not have access to a toilet and still practise open defecation.
“This is a huge problem in our community. We felt we had to start here, solve it at home first, and then expand to other regions,” he said.
Flushh’s public relations officer, Prince Muha, said starting the company was not a walk in the park, as they encountered major challenges, such as lack of funds.
“Because we experienced the problem ourselves, we realised it was important for us to solve it ourselves,” he said.
However, persistence and determination paid off; over time, Flushh attracted international investors and local support, allowing the business to reach key milestones and establish itself as a trusted service provider in Rundu.
“We currently provide services for almost the entire two regions, mostly during major events, where the number is huge. Instead of using the bush, we provide them with a decent toilet to use,” he said.
Flushh’s main target population is women and children, who are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to sanitation.
The company also services local businesses, schools without adequate toilet facilities, households, and community events such as weddings and funerals.
“The response has been positive. People are championing the solution because it speaks directly to a problem they live with every day,” he said. Since 2020, Flushh has provided mobile toilet services at numerous community events, reaching an estimated 11 000 people over five years.
Looking ahead
Flushh’s long-term vision goes far beyond event toilets. The company aims to contribute to Namibia achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
“Our vision is for every person in Namibia to have a toilet. We want to be the preferred sanitation providers in the country,” he said.