By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
The general image of the Goreangab residential area in Windhoek is gradually improving, as plans are under way to develop more new erven in the area.
This development became a reality after the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) bought 26 erven in Goreangab proper from the Windhoek City Council at an upset price of N$1 959 120.
In 2002, the Strategic Executive: Planning, Urbanisation and Environment, initiated the city’s initial plan to provide affordable housing to the residents and employees of major companies. One of these companies was Ongopolo Mining and Processing Limited.
Council allocated 55 level 6 erven in Goreangab proper to Ongopolo Mining and Processing Limited in April 2002 as per council resolution.
The mining company was then offered the option to conduct the task of redeveloping the land into smaller erven.
But the company opted to acquire the services of the NHE to redevelop the erven on their behalf.
On its part, the NHE is of the opinion that the image of the Goreangab area, that’s known mostly for its informal shacks, will improve if these erven are developed without delay.
The housing company therefore strives, it says, to create uniformity through this development in order to create an attractive image of the area.
“It is essential that the shape and colours of the buildings erected in the area are the same in order to enhance the purported image and to fill the unimproved pockets of land in Goreangab proper,” reads the monthly council report.
It states that the sale of erven would further improve the living standards of people in that area, while unhygienic and unsafe areas between the houses will be developed.
The sizes of the 26 erven under the NHE’s development range from 651 square metres to 18 003 square meters fetching prices between N$52 080 and N$144 240.
While some erven in Goreangab do not have sewer services available to the properties, such a sewer can be provided for sale at N$48 000.
Some sections of the area were previously not on sale to the public due to the fact that it was considered to be “stormwater erven”.
However, after investigations by the city council, it was found that these parts were in fact located below street level, but can still be offered for sale.
At the same time, the residential area of Otjomuise has been sold by the City of Windhoek to the NHE on a “private treaty basis”.
This means that the area is also under NHE’s development for servicing and sale to the public.