Dalene Kooper

KEETMANSHOOP – Efforts to address the housing challenges in Keetmanshoop have received a boost, following the official proclamation of the Brukharos Proper township.

The township comprises approximately 319 erven and is aimed at providing serviced, low-cost plots to residents on the municipality’s housing waiting list.

Keetmanshoop’s Public Relations Officer, Monica Imene, said partial servicing of the erven has already been completed.

This includes the provision of water infrastructure, road access, and the management of cost transfers.

“Additional funding was secured from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development through the Informal Settlement Upgrading Project to finalise servicing. Contractors are currently on site, installing sewer and electrical infrastructure,” Imene said.

The purchase price of the erven covers professional fees for the town planner, land surveyor, consulting engineer, conveyancer and project manager.

Imene added that the new township is expected to significantly improve access to affordable land and reduce the housing backlog, while also contributing to the upgrading of informal settlements.

“The availability of serviced erven enables beneficiaries to participate in housing initiatives such as the Build-Together Programme. Some residents have already started constructing their own homes,” she said.

Brukharos Proper will consist of conventional brick-and-mortar houses, providing durable and permanent housing solutions.

Beyond housing, the layout includes provision for economic activity, with six light industrial erven and eight local business erven earmarked to support small enterprises and job creation.

The municipality is continuing with bulk infrastructure installation to ensure the area becomes fully functional and sustainable. Future development phases will include the construction of stormwater berms and the surfacing of roads, subject to funding availability.

However, limited financial resources remain a key challenge that could delay the project’s full implementation.

The Brukharos Proper township is expected to benefit approximately 285 residents while contributing to long-term municipal revenue collection through rates and taxes.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, last year proclaimed the new township on 15 May 2025, as published in Government Gazette No. 8646.

The project was initiated by Development Workshop Namibia (DWN), a non-governmental organisation, in partnership with the Keetmanshoop Municipality and other development stakeholders.

-dkooper@nepc.com.na