The Keetmanshoop Municipality has officially handed over ten houses to beneficiaries under the decentralised build-together housing programme.

These ten two-bedroom houses, each valued at N$80,000, were presented to the beneficiaries by Keetmanshoop's deputy mayor, Anneline Knaus.

In Namibia, 62% of households earn less than N$5,000 per month, limiting their ability to afford housing loans ranging from N$57,000 to N$168,000. Banks typically charge an interest rate of 7.5% over a 20-year repayment period.

The decentralised build-together housing programme aims to address this issue by providing affordable housing solutions. To date, a total of 334 houses have been handed over to beneficiaries in Keetmanshoop.

"The Municipality of Keetmanshoop remains dedicated to ensuring that more residents can experience the pride and security of home ownership," said Knaus. "We are working tirelessly to address the housing needs in our community, making affordable and quality housing a top priority for all. This is part of our ongoing commitment to transforming Keetmanshoop into a town where opportunity is accessible to everyone and where the dignity of a home is within reach for all our residents."

The beneficiaries expressed their delight upon receiving the keys to their new homes.

Additionally, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated N$2 million for the construction of 50 new houses under the decentralised build-together housing programme, with construction expected to commence soon.