For years, the people of Walvis Bay have been forced to live with a smell that has become as much a part of the town’s identity as the port and the sea breeze: the stench of fish meal. For some, it’s been brushed off with a wry smile and the familiar quip: “That’s the smell of money.” But behind the jokes and resigned shrugs lies a deeper truth: this is not just an inconvenience. It’s a persistent environmental and public health concern that affects residents’ quality of life, the town’s image, and its tourism prospects. And it’s time for those responsible, from factory operators to local authorities, to finally act decisively.
Let’s be honest: Walvis Bay is one of Namibia’s most important economic hubs. The fishing industry is the lifeblood of this coastal town, providing jobs, generating export revenue, and fuelling secondary industries. No one is disputing its importance. But economic necessity should never be used as a shield for negligence or inaction, especially when the wellbeing of an entire community is at stake. It is entirely possible to run a profitable fish processing sector and protect the environment and public health; other coastal nations have done it. Why can’t we?
The smell that hangs over Walvis Bay isn’t merely unpleasant; it’s the product of air pollutants released during the production of fish meal and fish oil, a process that emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, and other chemicals. These substances can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and long-term health effects when exposure is frequent. Residents have long complained of breathing difficulties and persistent odours that cling to clothing, furniture, and even food. Yet, year after year, the promises of “improvement” and “monitoring” fade as quickly as the sea fog.
Tourism, too, suffers. Walvis Bay has so much to offer; its lagoon is one of the most stunning natural spectacles in southern Africa, home to flamingos, pelicans, and countless migratory birds. Cruise liners dock here, bringing visitors eager to experience Namibia’s coastal charm. But one can imagine their first impression when they step off the ship into a cloud of rancid air. What does it say about us as a country when our visitors are welcomed not by the fresh ocean breeze but by an industrial stench that we’ve come to normalise?
Authorities often cite “ongoing consultations” and “environmental management plans” whenever the issue is raised. Nevertheless, the smell persists. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the Walvis Bay Municipality, and the Environmental Commissioner’s Office must acknowledge what every resident already knows: the current monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are inadequate. It’s time for transparent public reporting on air quality, independent environmental audits of the factories, and clear deadlines for compliance with stricter emission standards.
Technology to fix this problem exists and has existed for years. Modern fishmeal plants in other parts of the world use odour control systems, biofilters, and air scrubbers to capture and neutralise emissions before they reach the atmosphere. These systems are costly, yes, but they are investments in community goodwill and long-term sustainability. Factory owners who claim they can’t afford such upgrades must be reminded that doing business in a community comes with responsibility, not just to profit, but to people.
The Walvis Bay Town Council, for its part, must be more than a passive observer. Residents have the right to clean air, and the municipality has the duty to enforce that right. Stronger bylaws, regular inspections, and penalties for non-compliance are not radical measures; they are basic governance. If fines and warnings are ignored, then the authorities must go further: suspend operations until factories demonstrate compliance. The era of empty promises and polite tolerance must end.
Equally, there’s a role for citizens to play. Community organisations, environmental advocates, and residents must continue to raise their voices, document violations, and demand accountability. The more people speak out, the harder it becomes for officials to look away. The “smell of money” should never be allowed to drown out the smell of justice.
This is not an attack on the fishing industry. It is a call for modernisation, responsibility, and respect – respect for the workers who labour in these factories, for the families who live nearby, and for the town that sustains them all. Walvis Bay can be both an industrial and a liveable town. It can be a hub of economic growth and a clean, welcoming home for its people. But that balance won’t happen by accident. It requires political will, investment, and enforcement.
Namibia prides itself on being a leader in environmental stewardship. From our conservation policies to our sustainable tourism initiatives, we like to tell the world that we care about the planet. Nevertheless, the persistent stench in Walvis Bay tells a different story, one of complacency and disregard for the everyday lived experience of our citizens.
So here is our message to the authorities, to factory operators, and to those who hold the power to change this: enough is enough. The people of Walvis Bay have been patient. They have been polite. They have endured. Now, they deserve action. Let the town breathe again, not the smell of money, but the scent of a community finally respected and heard.
