WALVIS BAY – The QKR Navachab mine has opted to sell over 200 houses it owns at Karibib to its employees as a way to ensure the town does not become a ghost town once the mine reaches its lifespan. 
Managing director of the mine George Botshiwe last week told New Era the idea has been widely and extensively discussed since 2014 after employees had suggested it. 

According to Botshiwe, the mine has about 240 houses, with prices ranging from N$200 000 up to N$1 million, which they intend to sell off. 
“The idea is to sell off our houses to the employees and it is part of keeping the economy of Karibib going after the mine closure, as we don’t want to create a ghost town,” Botshiwe explained. 

According to him, once employees buy houses in Karibib, they are bound to stay in the town. 
“Most of them try to ask for an extension from the mine if they live in mine-owned houses and also scramble around to buy property with their pension. This is what we want to avoid.  Pension is for you to enjoy not to buy a house at that age,” Botshiwe said. 
Botshiwe added the houses have already been evaluated and will be offered at affordable rates to the employees so they can arrange for financing on their own. 

“The process is going to be set in motion soon. We are currently just working out the conditions and the logistics around the sale of the houses,” he said.
- edeklerk@nepc.com.na