The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has been on a supervisory visit in the Zambezi Region to review the progress on various developmental projects aimed at improving housing, infrastructure, and service provision, particularly in Bukalo and Katima Mulilo.

During the tour of the projects at Bukalo, the Minister inquired why there were no provisions for sewer, water, and electricity at the 200 houses under construction at the Shack Dweller location.

The Bukalo Village Council Chief Executive Officer, Ntwala Lyamine-Sazita then informed Sankwasa that the N$35 million availed to the Village Council was absorbed by electrification, sewer reticulation system and water installation on the first 50 houses.

"What I don't see here is the service: water, sanitation, and electricity pipes. I don't see the trenches?”

Lyamine-Sazita explained.

“That's the challenge we have here. For the first 50 houses for the Shack Dweller, we have electricity, and we are currently putting in sewer and water. It's at 99%, and we will take you to the place. These ones only have shared taps, and we still need to put in sewer and water as well as electricity. Since the transformer is close by, we are engaging with NORED to see if they can extend to this side, but with sewer and water, we still really need assistance under formalisation of a formal settlement.”

Sankwasa expressed his appreciation.

“Yes, because when you say formalisation this is exactly what I want to see all over Namibia.”

Lyamine-Sazita added that significant progress has also been made for the 382 plots at the New Township Development, where electrification is at 70% while water and sewer are at 95%.

The construction of roads that will be interlocked is at 40% completion.

Sankwasa said he had a positive impression that the money was spent for its intended purpose.

He suggested that the plots should be sold to investors who will create job employment for the community.

“I am impressed because then when I say, 'Where is the money? You can show me. That's all I am looking for. But this is a formal side of the town where people can buy plots and build.”

Sankwasa also visited the oxidation pond, which is currently not pumping and is under rehabilitation. 

Lyamine-Sazita also informed Sankwasa that they need more funding due to the expansion of the town.