Cecilia Xavier
The Opuwo Town Council has availed land to construct over 208 houses as part of a public-private partnership with local company Octagon Construction.
These will be the first houses to be built through the PPP at the town. The housing project’s name is Ouranda.
Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony last Friday. Opuwo’s mayor Albert Tjiuma said development is at the centre of the town council’s heart, adding the council was there to provide land and houses to all its people regardless of their social status. On his part, Uutoni said as a nation the government has made provision of access to decent housing one of the key development priorities as indicated in Vision 2030, the national development plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
“Therefore this gathering once again re-affirms our recognition and resolve that all citizens of this republic have a right to decent and affordable housing, improved sanitation and shelter,” he said.
“Although government is doing its utmost best to provide decent and improved living standards for the citizens, it cannot do it alone. It needs all our collective effort and support including from our business community to make a lasting impact in the delivery of housing for your people.”
Uutoni further noted that there is nothing that can stop Namibians from developing their country.
“I am saying whether you are from political party B or C and you are assigned to run a town, because you have the interest of your community, you can do it together whether you are from A B, C or D – we can do it, and I want that to continue.”