WALVIS BAY – Walvis Bay backyard tenants say contributing towards the servicing of the land at Farm 37, as well as paying rent at their current homes, has been a daunting task which simply is not sustainable.
The group was allocated portion 19 at Farm 37, a 33-hectare plot expected to accommodate about 1 000 of their members.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Festus Immanuel said the first phase of installing services will cost about N$1.5 million.
The group initially promised to make monthly contributions of N$380 per month, per group member, to service the land. However, they now say that it is simply not affordable to pay it while coping with other living and accommodation expenses.
They are thus appealing to the town council to allow them to temporarily lease portions 10 and 11, or at least until they service their portion.
“We cannot afford to pay rent, and contribute monthly contributions of N$380 towards our land services. If the council allows us to lease plots at a rate of N$15 per month per plot, we will be able to save some cash and contribute such to our land services,” he stated yesterday.
He said some of them fork out between N$1 000 to N$1 800 for their current accommodation.
“Based on this, we will on average spend about N$2 000, and this is not financially viable. Fears are that we will not be able to make our dreams of owning homes a reality,” a worried Immanuel said.
Hence, they are applying for the unoccupied plots at portions 10 and 11 of Farm 37, while offering to pay N$15 per plot per month.
He furthermore indicated that 786 members are interested in leasing such plots for a period of time until their portion is fully-serviced and ready to occupy.
Most members also own private cars, or can travel by means of a taxi. Therefore, transport to and from Green Valley will not be a problem daily.
Price reduction
Council last year resolved to reduce the price of Farm 37 upon the request of various groups who wanted to do the servicing themselves.
The initial price of the plots was set at N$80 00, but was then reduced to N$40 000.
Questions sent to the Walvis Bay municipality on the matter are yet to be answered. -edeklerk@nepc.com.na