SWAKOPMUND – A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of over 140 middle-income houses in Swakopmund’s Matutura Proper residential area was held on Friday.

The houses, which will consist of two to three bedrooms, will cost not less than N$500 000, and will soon be constructed through a partnership between Quintessential Construction, the Municipality of Swakopmund, and the Development Bank of Namibia, who funded the project through a loan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni applauded the partnership between the entities for assisting the government in the provision of housing to the people.

“Housing is more than just a basic need; it is a cornerstone of our national development. Therefore, as we continue to address the housing challenges we face, we are not only building homes but also nurturing communities and fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our residents,” he expressed.

The development project follows the recent launch of the Revised National Housing Policy, which provides an overarching framework for integrated human settlement development in the country.

“This is by recognising and emphasising the principles of inclusivity, partnerships and sustainability as critical requirements for achieving the ultimate policy goal of broad-based access to housing opportunities and adequate housing to progressively improve living and socio-economic conditions for urban and rural residents,” Uutoni noted.

Erongo governor Neville Andre Itope said the project is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of the growing community and ensuring that every citizen has access to safe, affordable, and quality housing. The town’s mayor, Dina Namubes, recognised the importance of forming smart partnerships between the public and private sectors, saying that such joint ventures are vital for the effective and sustainable delivery of housing.

“Partnerships between the public and private sectors are crucial for addressing the intricate challenges of housing delivery.
In light of this, the Swakopmund Town Council approved and allocated unserviced land to eight private developers in 2018, aiming to meet the growing demand for housing,” she said.

These developers, including Quintessential, were tasked with providing serviced land and affordable housing for the residents of Swakopmund she added.

-Nampa

(House)
Caption: Building together… Housing minister of Erastus Uutoni, the mayor of Swakopmund, Dina Namubes and other municipality officials, as well as Quintessential Construction owners, attended the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of over 140 houses in Swak