Auleria Wakudumo
The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) plans to construct 905 houses across Namibia during the 2025/2026 financial year as part of efforts to reduce the country’s growing housing backlog.
The houses are expected to be built in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Rundu, Ongwediva, Nkurenkuru, Henties Bay, Outapi, Okahao, Eenhana, Okakarara, Keetmanshoop and Katima Mulilo.
NHE spokesperson Mutonga Matali told New Era that the planned construction forms part of the government’s broader national housing goals.
“This is to supplement the government’s objective and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) to realise the construction of 2 000 housing units across Namibia,” Matali said.
The latest target comes as demand for affordable housing continues to increase across the country, particularly in urban areas where rapid migration and unemployment have contributed to the expansion of informal settlements.
In an interview with New Era, Matali stated that since NHE’s establishment in 1993, it has constructed more than 21 545 housing units nationwide, positioning the institution as one of the country’s biggest providers of affordable housing.
“Since inception in 1993, NHE has built over 21 545 housing units across Namibia, making it one of the largest providers of affordable housing in the country,” he said.
During the 2024/25 financial year, NHE completed 191 houses in various towns across the country.
The completed projects include 52 houses in Okakarara, 34 in Mariental, 64 in Ondangwa, 30 in Omuthiya and 11 in Windhoek under the Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme.
Despite these developments, Matali acknowledged that delivering houses at the required pace remains difficult due to financial and land-related challenges.
“The biggest challenge in housing delivery is limited funding for projects and lack of affordable serviced land,” he explained.
He said NHE’s future housing strategy is based on improving funding opportunities, increasing access to serviced land and strengthening partnerships with local authorities and development institutions.
Part of the plan includes securing quota allocations from local authorities on land that has already been serviced through government resources. The institution believes this approach could speed up housing delivery while lowering development costs.
Matali further said NHE is exploring new project delivery methods to improve efficiency and reduce delays in construction.
“These include the engagement and appointment of multiple contractors on large-scale housing projects to enable parallel construction processes and faster completion rates,” he said.
Matali added that the enterprise is considering innovative building methods and improved project management systems to increase productivity.
He said their strategy focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships, improving access to servicing land, mobilising sustainable funding and implementing more efficient housing delivery models to progressively reduce the national housing backlog.
When asked about who NHE prioritises when it comes to house allocation, Matali said priority is given to qualifying Namibians, especially first-time homeowners who can provide proof of income or funding.
“NHE prioritises all eligible Namibians, employed or self-employed,” Matali said.
To qualify for an NHE-financed house, applicants must earn a maximum gross monthly income of N$20 000, including housing allowances and subsidies. Joint applicants must not exceed a combined monthly income of N$30 000.
Matali clarified that all applicants are registered on a national housing waiting list, and allocations are generally made on a first-come, first-served basis.
“House allocations are generally conducted on a first-come-first basis among clients on the waiting list,” Matali explained.
NHE also noted that it does not prioritise speculative buyers and remains focused on providing homes to citizens who genuinely need housing.
Regarding unemployed individuals, NHE said it currently cannot allocate houses to people without a stable income because applicants must demonstrate the ability to repay loans.
“At present, NHE is unable to allocate houses to unemployed individuals. This is because applicants are required to demonstrate the financial capacity to meet repayment obligations,” he said.