The slow pace and cost of land servicing and shortage of capacity are obstacles in fast-tracking housing provision in Namibia, particularly in urban areas.
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni says the situation is also worsened by a lack of affordability for low and ultra-low-income households.
This he says is due to the impact of the economic downturns and budgetary limits which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uutoni says about 230 000 families in Namibia reside in shacks.
This Uutoni says warrants the accelerating of access to land, housing and sanitation.
He made the remarks during a workshop in the capital to review the National Housing Policy which seeks to develop a new action plan to change the status-quo by 2030.
The slow pace and cost of land servicing and shortage of capacity are obstacles in fast-tracking housing provision in Namibia, particularly in urban areas.
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni says the situation is also worsened by a lack of affordability for low and ultra-low-income households.
This he says is due to the impact of the economic downturns and budgetary limits which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am urging us all not to lose sight of the importance of this policy instrument and the implementation plan which is aimed at accelerating the delivery of urban land and broadens access to adequate housing. Effectively, we seek to provide adequate housing and sanitation for over 300 000 Namibia households.”
The new policy once approved by the National Assembly will co-ordinate all issues pertaining to housing.
The need to upgrade informal areas, Uutoni says also exists, instead of servicing virgin land which may be costly, to improve the quality of life for inhabitants, especially in urban areas.
Uutoni also reiterated his call on local authorities to desist from political infighting saying this is not only affecting morale but also derails basic services delivery to residents.
“If you look everywhere it’s just people fighting and it’s really becoming a problem for service delivery.”
Uutoni also revealed that renovations are underway at the Mass Housing units in Swakopmund which were vandalized after being left unoccupied since completion.