United Democratic Front (UDF) President Hendrik Gaobaeb has urged the government to accelerate the Mass Housing Project to tackle housing challenges and promote home ownership.

Gaobaeb said this during a courtesy call on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah today.

He stated that many citizens continue to rent homes, which symbolises a generational pattern.

The situation reflects how prolonged housing shortages in the country have become, negatively affecting the livelihoods of many citizens.

The UDF leader believes accelerating initiatives such as the Mass Housing Project would help reduce the housing backlog, eventually propelling homeownership.

"In Swakopmund, there are 600 houses, incomplete houses, apparently due to court cases with the contractors of that project. The project was called 'mass housing', so if that process can be sped up, then at least those 600 houses can address these housing shortages in the Erongo Region."

Gaobaeb also wants schools in rural areas brought on par with those in urban locations, citing poor conditions and lower standards of education in rural schools.

He stressed that education is among the most important tools with which to fight poverty, and therefore every child deserves access to quality education. 

Another challenge he pointed to was road infrastructure. 

The UDF leader also stressed the seriousness of human-wildlife conflict, saying discussions with the president acknowledged that the growing elephant population may need to be reduced and used to help feed the nation.

While this could alleviate rural poverty, he said international conventions hinder action despite locals bearing the direct impacts. 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah continues to carry out her commitment of engaging with political parties, reiterating the need to share ideas in the interest of the nation.