The Rehoboth Town Council has announced that inhabitants of brick houses in Block E, who previously were unable to own their houses, will be granted title deeds.

N$26 million worth of debt was written off during the process, allowing beneficiaries to start afresh.

As part of the process, residents will receive free prepaid electricity and water meters, alleviating the burden of existing debts.

The Public Relations Officer for the Rehoboth Town Council, Desire Pieters, emphasised the important development for the community. 

"So the significance to the individuals who are beneficiaries is that it also has a great impact on the town in general because previously these owners did not pay rent and taxes as these houses were not part of the evaluation roll of the council as they were council properties. Now we can gain general income and revenue from it as the people will be paying rates and taxes and also the prepaid water system."

The Councillor for PR, Land Management & Housing Development, Jackson Khariseb, reiterated that the Rehoboth Town Council's alienation scheme marks a significant step towards enhancing property rights and improving the quality of life for its residents.

"So with this Cabinet decision that was taken to write off this N$26 million, it has significance because these people, those whose services were disconnected because of nonpayment, will now start on a fresh page and the service will be reconnected."

Some of these inhabitants have lived in Block E since 1978, where they lived in government houses, which prevented them from purchasing or owning homes. 

The Rehoboth Town Council's Head of Properties, Marks Karongee, said the community's dignity will be restored through this gesture and the resident will be saved from crippling debt.

"Our beneficiaries will not get back into debt anymore. The Cabinet decision was very clear that we wanted to restore the dignity and ownership of these properties, and it's very clearly stated that within the next ten years, these properties cannot be sold and cannot be leased. In these ten years, if you would like to sell the property, you have to come back to council because council has the first right to this property."

Residents are required to provide copies of identification and, if married, a marriage certificate—to secure their title deeds. 

The council will also be making copies for those in need.

Thus far, 55 residents have confirmed their eligibility for title deeds.

The council made it clear that ownership disputes will not be entertained and only verified residents will receive their deeds.