The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) held a groundbreaking ceremony in Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay, marking the start of construction for 79 new houses under the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme.

The project, located in Extension 8, aims to improve living conditions, formalise informal settlements, and address the housing backlog in Namibia.

NHE's Manager for Infrastructure Development, Indileni Iipinge, said the initiative forms part of the Informal Settlement Upgrading Affordable Housing Programme, which is designed to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing and promote sustainable communities.

He added that the Kuisebmond project will employ about 120 people and involve 16 local contractors, contributing to job creation and economic development in the Erongo Region.

Together with a similar housing project in Swakopmund, these initiatives represent an investment of over N$31 million in the region.

Iipinge also announced that NHE is carrying out a land servicing project in Kuisebmond Extension 9, which includes civil works and electrical infrastructure for 151 erven. Phase 1 covers 67 erven at a cost of N$19.7 million, and bulk earthworks are already underway.

He said the NHE remains committed to providing affordable and dignified housing to all Namibians, while transforming informal settlements into formal, sustainable neighbourhoods.

The Acting Regional Manager for the NHE's West Branch, Benjamin Shikulo, said the list of beneficiaries will be provided by the Walvis Bay Municipality, not NHE.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Abraham Hamaalwa, of the Olivert Investment, expressed his gratitude.

They expect to complete the houses within three months.