Windhoek
Government hopes to eliminate all shacks in the country by 2030 by striving to provide affordable housing and through increased investment in the housing portfolio.
“The phenomenon of informal settlements that subject thousands of our people to deplorable living conditions is present in all urban centres in the country. It is the conviction of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development that unless and until this ugly trend is arrested through deliberate and focused efforts, it will continue to negatively impact on the social, economic and political fabric of Namibian society,” Minister of Urban and Rural Development Sophia Shaningwa said.
She made these remarks during the announcement of the new Board of Directors of the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) on Thursday, September 10, adding that under the 2014 Swapo Party Election Manifesto, government promised continued facilitation and support programmes and strategies directed towards ensuring fast delivery of housing units. The minister emphasised that this would address the backlog in housing delivery and enhance access to affordable housing for all, particularly citizens on low income.
The previous Board’s terms of service officially expired on July 31. At the event, Shaningwa noted that while there have been some achievements at the NHE over the last few years, the institution was still plagued by some operational and strategic problems that require urgent intervention.
“These problems will be highlighted and solved in the coming weeks, months and years in order to bring about efficiency within the company as it carries out its mandate. One of the key issues is that of the critical financial position in which NHE found itself. Moreover, our country is faced with a housing backlog of over 100 000 houses,” Shaningwa remarked.
The new Board of Directors at NHE is led by its chairman, Sam Shivute, who is also director of banking services at the Bank of Namibia. He is accompanied by Elton !Gaoseb, NHE’s new acting Chief Executive Officer, Aisha Isaak, Oscar Capelao and Petrina Nakale.
“I have considered various strategic issues when I appointed these new flag-bearers in accordance with the provisions of the NHE Act,” said Shaningwa. The NHE’s previous board was led by Jason Nandago (chairman) and included Ebson Uanguta, Andrew Niikondo, Elmarie du Toit and Adv Anne Shilengudwa.
“The newly appointed board members are therefore challenged to implement the manifesto, as far as housing delivery is concerned. It is expected that board members, through the principles of good corporate governance, turn around the fortunes and deliver as per the mandate of the NHE. To ensure that this is efficiently and effectively achieved, your first task is to initiate a business processes and re-engineering strategy,” Shaningwa told the new board.
While advising the new Board to steer clear of any issues that might affect their integrity, Shaningwa pointed out that it should not be business as usual to ensure NHE regains sound financial position. She requested that the new Board reports timeously on challenges they encounter and to direct the company in the right direction.
“I must however mention that our turnaround strategy should not send people to the streets but rather encourage them to work hard and make NHE a successful company,” said Shaningwa.