Shack fires remain one of the most devastating and recurring challenges facing many.

It's against this background that the City of Windhoek's Fire Brigade and Namib Mills' Top Score are carrying out a pilot project aimed at equipping homes with fire-combating solutions. 

The City of Windhoek aims to electrify about 2,000 houses in the informal settlements of Katutura.

So far, 113 houses have been electrified in Windhoek's Katutura areas of Babylon and three blocks in Istanbul Road in Otjomuise.

The Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development and Land Reform has commended the Aroab Village Council in the ||Kharas Region for establishing a reception area to address uncontrolled informal settlements in and around the town.

Since the beginning of this year, Swakopmund has reported 22 fire incidents, primarily affecting shacks.

Kunene Governor Marius Sheya has revived the Build Together Housing programme in Outjo to help address the backlog of over 4,000 residents on the waiting list.

Currently, the most affected and needy homeowners are located in the town's ever-expanding informal settlements.

The Grootfontein Municipality plans to roll out development activities and projects in 2025 that will enhance the socio-economic status of the town and improve residents' well-being.

While the quote goes, Water is life, for many living in informal settlements, access to water is a daily struggle they have to face. 

The unwillingness of Windhoek's informal settlement residents to sign lease agreements with the city has delayed the completion of electrification projects.

Windhoek Mayor, Queen Kamati, revealed this during the council meeting. 

Residents of Okahandja's informal settlements spent the night at the Okahandja Municipality, demanding a meeting with Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, and Mayor Beatrice Koutogondo.

Members of the Nalitungwe Community Savings Foundation have become new landowners at Farm 37 on the outskirts of Walvis Bay.

The municipality has allocated them portion 12, which will need to be serviced.