MTC and Development Workshop Namibia, through a land and housing programme, are accelerating the delivery of low-cost land for housing with the servicing of 282 plots in Stampriet in the Hardap region.
The Oniipa Town Council was first to benefit with at 113 plots handed over to its residents last year.
After Stampriet, plans are in progress to extend the same development to the towns of Okakarara and Otjiwarongo, Omaruru, Ondangwa, Okongo, Rehoboth and Rundu.
So far, Okakarara and Otjiwarongo are making steady progress, with over 707 plots earmarked for Okakarara and 483 for Otjiwarongo.
All plots are earmarked for ultra-low-income earners market, and consultations between DWN, local authorities and residents are ongoing.
MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo stated: “Addressing the land and housing issue in Namibia requires smart collaboration and deliberate intervention; thus, through DWN, we intentionally avail N$1 million yearly to enable the programme to expand to other towns, such as Lüderitz, Swakopmund, Omaruru, Ondangwa, Okongo, Rehoboth and Rundu.
“The effort is to curtail and redress the increase of shanty settlement while contributing to creating a land ownership economy. Initially, the programme planned to deliver 1 585 plots, but that number has now been increased to 1 941,” added Ekandjo.
Launched in 2021, MTC’s Land Delivery Programme through DWN is a three-year long programme, aimed to address the issue of landlessness in selected towns by availing and delivering affordable land to low-income earners through DWN.
It is designed to enable one to acquire at least a 300 square metres piece of land at a reasonable price as low as N$15 000, pay it off over a 12-month period, own the title deed to the land – and with that certificate, gain access to financing for the construction of his/her home.
“The Namibian population continues to grow, resulting in more residents demanding for housing. To this effect, the government has re-doubled efforts to provide access to housing for all citizens. However, joint efforts are essential because the government alone cannot remedy the land and housing issue,” expressed Ekandjo.