The Mayor of Swakopmund says access to residential land and housing remains the biggest barrier to homeownership, not only in Swakopmund but countrywide.

Dina Namubes said this during the groundbreaking ceremony for phase 3 of the Build Together project in the town.

In January 2017, the Council approved the allocation of 150 erven at Ext. 26 to the Build Together beneficiaries and allocated them land at 7, 8, and 9 extensions.

The council, according to the mayor, managed to construct 70 of the 150 houses in two phases.

This came at a costly price, and the council had to subsidise the first batch of houses.

Namubes stated that they experienced delays in the construction of the remaining 80 houses for Build Together beneficiaries due to the cumbersome Procurement Act requirements and the high construction cost as quoted by the contractors.

Namubes says that although the council has made significant progress in addressing the housing challenge and land provision, many residents remain unable to keep up with the inflated standard of living in urban areas and find themselves in dilapidated informal shelters.

"The Municipality of Swakopmund has positioned itself towards the social progression of the Namibian people, amongst other developmental goals. Therefore, quality service delivery remains a critical element on the agenda of the Swakopmund Council as we strive to meet the needs of our community, especially the most sought-after commodity, which is housing," she added.

Nanubes said quality service delivery remains a critical element on the agenda of the Swakopmund Council as they strive to meet the needs of the community, especially the most sought-after commodity, housing.