SWAKOPMUND – Erongo Regional Council (ERC) seeks support from local authorities to facilitate the allocation of residential land for its employees.  This is to provide affordable housing opportunities as well as enhance staff welfare and stability.

In a recent submission to the Council Management Committee, chief regional officer Sem Ntelamo highlighted the challenges faced by the ERC staff in acquiring affordable land for housing. He emphasised that the high cost of plots, often sold to the highest bidder through auctions, has made it difficult for civil servants to secure land. “This shortage of affordable housing has significantly contributed to staff turnover within the council, affecting productivity and service delivery in the region,” the submission noted.

It emphasised that providing staff with access to affordable housing would improve employee retention by addressing one of the key factors contributing to turnover.

“Supporting staff in acquiring land at the lowest possible price will have a positive impact on their overall well-being, thereby enhancing productivity and ensuring effective service delivery to the region,” the document stated.

To address this challenge, the proposal seeks the allocation of five plots per municipality annually for at least five ERC staff members.

 The plots will be purchased directly for residential purposes.

The committee recommended that the Ordinary Regional Council provides its support to engage local authorities in making land available for ERC staff. This initiative, if approved, is expected to foster a more stable and motivated workforce within the ERC, ultimately benefitting the region. The recommendation awaits deliberation and approval by the Ordinary Regional Council. Constituency councillors Florian Donatus and Kennedy !Haoseb welcomed the request. They noted that if conducted fairly and transparently, the initiative will ensure that regional council employees have access to residential land. This can enhance their commitment and stability, potentially leading to improved public service delivery. 

-Nampa