Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni recognised the Oshakati town council as the best town in terms of house delivery, as it continues making more land available for the low to middle-income earners of the society.

Uutoni made these remarks at the launch and groundbreaking of the Ompumbu housing development in the town on Friday.

“Last Saturday, we were at Onawa, handing over 195 houses. At the same time, we launched the decentralised build together program to construct 100 houses, which is now followed by this groundbreaking of further development of housing for Oshakati town,” he stated.

He added that this groundbreaking ceremony will see yet another housing development initiative that will deliver 509 erven as a result of the partnership agreement between the Oshakati town council and the BH group of companies.

He said it is, therefore, through this initiative that he is congratulating the Oshakati Town Council for their effort and determination toward the development of the town.

Uutoni further said this particular development, where the BH group of companies is going to invest over N$305 million, will also benefit the local community, with the employment of over 600 people. 

‘’I am also informed that the company reached out to the local small and medium brick producers to produce quality super bricks to supply to the housing development,” said Uutoni.

He said he is also convinced that upon completion of the project, the allocation of houses will also accommodate those who are on the council’s waiting list, especially the first-time homeowners.

Owner of BH Properties Benjamin Hauwanga said they will construct 509 houses at the cost of N$305 million for three years.  

“The houses are earmarked for middle to low-income earners. They will be constructed in three phases, with phase one consisting of 47 houses, phase two with 130 houses, and phase three with over 200 houses,” he explained.

BH Properties will service the land and construct houses at their own cost.

The project will provide employment to about 600 people.

BH assured the community of a conducive work environment and competitive salaries. 

Oshakati mayor Leonard Hango made a joke that in a few years to come Oshakati will look like Dubai.

“This will not only help to expand the town in size but it will also in the future increase the council revenue base and an attractive town,” he said.

He added they will make sure that every Oshakati resident will have a place to stay.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na