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

Nina Savela, Jarkko Levänen, Sara Lindeman, Nnenesi Kgabi, Heikki Koivisto, Meri Olenius, Samuel John, Damas Mashauri and Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola
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Nina Savela: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 26100 Rauma, Finland
Jarkko Levänen: Department of Sustainability Science, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, 15210 Lahti, Finland
Sara Lindeman: Department of Management Studies, Aalto University, 00076 Helsinki, Finland
Nnenesi Kgabi: Faculty of Engineering, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 13388, Namibia
Heikki Koivisto: Faculty of Logistics and Maritime Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 26100 Rauma, Finland
Meri Olenius: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28100 Pori, Finland
Samuel John: Faculty of Engineering, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 13388, Namibia
Damas Mashauri: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Namibia, Windhoek 13301, Namibia
Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 26100 Rauma, Finland

World, 2020, vol. 1, issue 2, 1-18

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.

Keywords: energy; multi-level perspective; Namibia; urban development; water (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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