The Namibian government has allocated more than N$500 million towards the formalisation of informal settlements.

The formalisation process, which will start in Windhoek as soon as possible, is expected to be rolled out to other local authorities around the country.

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare made the announcement during the stakeholders consultative meeting on the formalisation of the informal settlements that took place in the Samora Machel Constituency in Windhoek

The formalisation will include the provision of water, sanitation, and better access to affordable housing.

Dr. Ngurare said the formalisation of informal settlements is not an abstract phrase but a human right. 

"When formalising informal settlements, there must be decent flushing toilets; the designs and demarcations should be in a manner that respects the dignity and respect for human rights. As I said, funds have been made available; the people of this constituency must benefit from this. We know what we need to do, so let us do it." 

Therefore, the Prime Minister urged the governors and regional and local authority councillors to expedite service delivery, which is emphasised by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

They were given until the 11th of April to finalise the implementation plans.

"It's business as usual, but work must start now. We know what we must do, so let us do it now. There is no window for sleeping on duty, and I want to appeal to comrades that are in the civil service. We appeal to you, business unusual, put the interest of Namibia above all other considerations, and the interest of Namibia means all the Namibians should be able to benefit from the resources of this country, and the government has availed these resources. We must not sleep on duty in ensuring that we translate this into practice."

The formalisation of informal settlements is part of the priorities outlined in the Swapo party 2024 election manifesto. 

The manifesto is approved by Cabinet and will be incorporated into government plans for implementation as of April this year. 

"The government has also directed that all offices/ministries/agencies should cascade the Swapo party 2024 Election Manifesto into their operational plans and make budgetary provision for implementation. The budget that the Minister of Finance tabled last week also has an allocation of resources towards the formalisation of informal settlements, among others."

Furthermore, Dr. Ngurare urged the stakeholders to make sure that the people in the constituencies are at the forefront in the execution of the formalisation process in order for them to benefit.