The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, today visited the Mass Housing project site in Windhoek's Otjomuise Extension 10.
The project, which includes 362 houses, was launched under the leadership of former President Hifikepunye Pohamba in 2013.
Addressing attendees at the site, Uutoni emphasised the government's continued commitment to providing affordable housing.
The programme, which planned to implement 21 housing projects nationwide, was established as a key response to the country's housing crisis.
However, the project faced setbacks, including a legal dispute dating back to 2017, which led to delays in the completion of the houses.
Despite these challenges, Utoni noted that work had recently resumed, adding that he and key stakeholders had come to witness the progress firsthand.
"The revised National Housing Policy, which was approved by Cabinet last year, provides for the continuation of existing programmes as well as increased funding and investment by the government and its partners in land and housing for targeted low-income groups. The policy also provides for the establishment of a housing subsidy. The policy document is on the Ministry's website, and I hereby urge you, stakeholders and members of the public, to make time and familiarise yourself with its content and numerous housing and land delivery opportunities that it offers."
Out of the 21 mass housing sites across the country, only three remain with uncompleted houses: mainly Otjomuise Extension 10 with 362 units, Opuwo with 24 units, and Swakopmund, where 186 houses remain incomplete.
Uutoni reported that progress has been made in Swakopmund, with 319 houses completed between October 2022 and June this year, leaving 186 still under construction.
Efforts are also underway to resolve the outstanding legal issues in Swakopmund and to finalise the appointment of a contractor for the 24 incompleted houses in Opuwo, with work expected to start during the current financial year.
The Minister also expressed concern over the housing needs of Namibia's security forces and civil servants, many of whom struggle to afford decent housing despite government subsidies.
To address this, Uutoni confirmed that provisions will be made under various housing programmes to accommodate their needs.
He highlighted ongoing efforts, including the Windhoek Informal Settlement Upgrading Affordable Housing Project, which is currently progressing in areas such as Goreangab Extension 4.
"The government remains committed to ensuring that all Namibians, especially those in low-income groups, have access to affordable and decent housing," he said.