The Municipality of Walvis Bay is looking at several strategies to decongest the suburb of Kuisebmund and reduce the risk of shack fires. This includes the introduction of rates and taxes for each shack on allocated plots.

Backyard shacks have become a source of income for the residents who rent them out, but they are also a source of despair for tenants when fires break out.

The mushrooming of shacks in the informal settlements has also, in recent years, been a headache for the municipality.

Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Fobes says the rates and taxes per shack will not only serve as a deterrent, but they will also reduce pressure on municipal services.

Forbes called on erven owners to stop the construction of more shacks on their properties once the current occupants have been resettled.

He also called on companies to help the government address the housing crisis and says at least two fishing companies have requested land for that purpose.

The mayor invited companies to invest in the town to create employment for the residents.

He believes gainfully employed residents can purchase land, be in a position to build houses, and eliminate the housing backlog.