Delivering affordable housing remains a key government agenda item.
As such, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, says his ministry avails millions of dollars towards the construction of houses to improve the living standards of Namibians.
Uutoni said this when he handed over more than 40 new houses, constructed at a cost of N$11 million at Otjiwarongo.
These houses were constructed by the National Housing Enterprises after the Otjiwarongo Municipality made available land in 2021 to set up affordable units.
"Housing in Namibia remains a very complex and combative subject, and the pressure on urban areas is becoming even more severe, as demonstrated by rapidly increasing urbanisation rates over the last two decades. In that light, our government recognizes everyone's right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing and the provision of basic infrastructure and services, remains one of the top priorities at the levels of government, whether at the central, regional, or local levels," said Uutoni.
On his part, Otjozondjupa Regional Governor James Uerikua also stressed that Otjiwarongo Municipality is under pressure to develop the Camp 5 area to help address the backlog of 3700 people in need of housing and plots. "Hence, through the accelerated land delivery programme in the region, the municipality has made it a priority to ensure that they service and formalize that land for it to be allocated for housing purposes. As a result, negotiations have been at an advanced stage so far with those that are occupying that land, though not legally so, for them to be put alternatively at another place while that development is continuing."
Also speaking at the occasion was NHE Chief Executive Officer, Gisbertus Mukulu. "Accessibility to decent housing improves people's lives and mental health, while also creating a conducive environment for a community to thrive. As such, the NHE recognizes its commitment to creating healthy communities with the provisions of modern, yet affordable, housing for the growth and development of families across Namibia. In all the income categories we have, people find it very, very difficult and sometimes impossible to acquire houses constructed strictly by private developers. NHE is here as an alternative."