Lorato Khobetsi

The Gibeon Village Council in the Hardap region is considering more structured, long-term interventions to address the current housing crisis.

This is as it observes an increase in elderly residents living in dilapidated shacks.

Chairperson of the Gibeon Village Council Ellerien //Kheibes said the council aims to develop a strategic plan informed by the community’s socio-economic conditions, moving beyond ad hoc assistance.

She said the council plans to revisit the land alienation programme, explore the establishment of a revolving housing fund and consider public-private partnerships to support housing development for residents who cannot afford repayments. 

The council also intends to engage the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to access existing social housing programmes.

“What we are trying to do is move beyond ad hoc donations toward a more structured, long-term intervention. We want to develop a strategic plan based on the current socio-economic conditions in the community,” //Kheibes said.

She added that the council has already begun assessing dilapidated houses to gather accurate data. 

So far, 11 houses have been identified, although the process is ongoing and the final number of affected residents is expected to be confirmed this week.

“Our property department is busy conducting assessments. We are specifically referring to corrugated iron-sheet structures, not brick houses. So far, 11 houses have been recorded, but the assessment is still ongoing,” she said.

//Kheibes added that, while elderly residents are among the most affected, the housing challenge is widespread across the community. 

The council is also undertaking a verification process to establish ownership and long-term occupancy of the affected dwellings.

“As part of the assessment, we are identifying vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners living in poor conditions. In some cases, the houses belong to elderly people who now live with relatives, or the properties are occupied by others after the original owners have passed on,” she said.

She added that the issue affects not only the elderly but also middle-aged and younger residents, as such housing conditions are common in many Namibian towns, including Gibeon. 

A final figure of affected households has not yet been determined.

The chairperson further noted that, although residents may access programmes such as the Shack Dwellers Federation and the Build Together initiative, many vulnerable households struggle to meet the requirements. 

*Lorato Khobetsi is an information officer at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Hardap region.