The Henties Bay Municipality hosted a three-day land development conference where participants from the fields of finance, land management, planning, infrastructure development, and financing and development shared their expertise.
The conference provides a valuable opportunity for public and private investors to exchange insights that shape the future of urban and rural landscapes.
The Mayor of Henties Bay, Lewies Vermaak, says land development plays a crucial role in the growth and prosperity of communities, and the municipality will do its part.
"Henties Bay is committed to fostering sustainable development practices that balance growth with environmental stewardship. We believe in creating spaces that are not only functional and efficient, but also vibrant and inclusive. This conference serves as a platform for discussing innovative solutions, best practices, and emerging trends that will help us achieve these goals."
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, hopes that the conference will provide solutions to sustainable land development and housing.
"In addressing land and housing issues, we are working to restore the dignity of our people, and we are telling Namibia that everyone should have equal opportunity to access land. With that and other measures, we are promoting the collective welfare of our people."
The ministry states that the government alone cannot address all the challenges hindering affordable land and adequate housing.
The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Carl Schlettwein, says that his ministry is encouraged to see local authorities expanding their boundaries to include more economic activities such as factories and production units that contribute to the national economy and employment creation.
"Before considering a business venture, the responsibility lies with the investor to submit a comprehensive investment plan, clearly indicating the type of business, equity and ownership of the products to be produced, the financial projection, the materials and equipment to be used, and their manufacturing and procurement sources, as well as the jobs to be created. The government expects that business activities result in value addition and job creation."