The Gobabis Municipality, with assistance from the Selavip Foundation, is set to install 400 pre-paid water metres at the town's Freedom Square and Promised Land settlements.

The project is to be rolled out over three phases, allowing residents access to potable water while helping to improve the town's revenue collection.

Speaking on behalf of town Mayor Melba Tjozongoro, Gobabis Municipality Public Relations Officer, Frederick Ueitele, stressed that the initiative is a testament to the excellent relations between the municipality, the National Housing Action Group, and the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. 

Ueitele says the first phase of the installation process will cater to 130 dwellings.

"Having said that , allow me to make use of this opportunity to call upon all communities living in the informal settlement of Gobabis to cooperate with the municipality , the shack dwellers federation, and the Namibia housing action group in their programmes that are aimed at formalising the informal settlements in Gobabis, and in conclusion, congratulations to everybody who benefited from the water metres today, and to these communities that are not members of any savings group, please join now; it is to your benefit."

The National Housing Action Group says its aim is to bring services closer to more residents. 

"It's a very important milestone because it serves the community to have services closer, and also, I think the honourable councillors that are here are also a boost to them because it will increase revenue as nobody will drink free water," said Co-Director of the National Housing Action Group, Heinrich Amushila.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Martha Kongue welcomed the initiative, saying it was long overdue.

Omaheke  Governor Pijoo Nganate described the initiative as a win-win deal. 

"I'm very happy to be part of this initiative, which is commendable, and if you look at the number of houses that have come up, which is also beautiful, it gives pride, and especially that these houses and the services are coming from ourselves, it gives us a sense of ownership."

Both phases two and three of the project are set for completion before the end of November this year.