Matheus David
The government on Friday officially handed over 377 completed houses under the Mass Housing Development Programme at Otjomuise Extension 10.
Speaking at the event, Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa said the moment marks relief, not celebration, as many projects took far longer than expected to complete. He said fifty-eight of the houses were built under a direct agreement with contractor CalgroKuumBa Planning and Design, while the remaining 319 were done through a public-private partnership dating back to 2015.
Sankwasa said since the programme started in 2014, 4 826 houses have been completed and handed over across the country. However, 514 units are still stuck due to delays in Opuwo, Swakopmund and Windhoek. In Swakopmund, work stalled because of a legal dispute, but the minister confirmed that agreements will be signed within weeks so construction can continue.
“We cannot be too excited yet,” he said. “But today brings hope to 58 families who will celebrate this festive season in their own homes,” he added.
The minister expressed concern over the slow pace of the public-private partnership projects. Out of 1 709 planned units, only 319 have been completed, while 336 are still under construction.
“With the housing demand rising every day, I am urging the company to speed up the work,” he said.
Sankwasa said most Namibians in need of housing earn below N$10 000 per month and struggle to qualify for loans because of low income and debt.
He called on banks and private developers to think differently and create affordable finance options for low- and middle-income households. Under the upcoming Sixth National Development Plan, government plans to service at least 10 000 plots and build 10 000 affordable houses per year. If achieved, this would create 50 000 serviced erven and houses over five years. Sankwasa said targeted institutions, including local authorities, the National Housing Enterprise, Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and others have already started work under this plan, and the progress is encouraging.
The minister raised concern about beneficiaries who fail to pay their home loans, stressing that the state heavily subsidises these houses in some cases up to 75% of the construction cost.
“Please honour your monthly instalments,” he warned. “If people do not pay, government cannot build more houses for others who are waiting.”
“This is a step forward in our national fight for decent shelter. Let us continue working together and face the housing challenge with unity and common purpose,” he said. -matheusshitongenidavid@gmail. com
Photo: Heather Erdmann