The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and the Ondangwa and Ongwediva town councils have signed an agreement to upgrade the informal settlements and explore the possibility of constructing low-cost houses currently being implemented nationwide.

Speaking at the signing, the NHE Chief Executive Officer, Gisbertus Mukulu, stated that under this programme, the low-income earners will pay monthly interest-free instalments of N$400 for a one-bedroom house and N$1,200 for a three-bedroom house.

"It will focus primarily on informal upgrading projects as well as NHE conventional projects. We are also calling upon all other local authorities to join the bandwagon so that we can at least be able to implement this project in all local authorities. And we trust that together we will change the livelihood of our own people through the provision of affordable houses."

Ongwediva Major Taarah Shalyefu applauded NHE for the initiative, which he said will effectively address housing needs.

"It is a true demonstration that we would want to move forward, because land delivery remains a priority, and having joined the NHE team, I am very confident that we are moving forward."

This programme has been implemented successfully in Windhoek and Swakopmund and is being rolled out to other parts of the country.