OSHAKATI – The Oshakati Town Council has secured land to service approximately 4000 erven at newly established residential sites within the town’s boundaries.
This council further says it has obtained a N$50 million loan from the Development Bank of Namibia to service 272 erven in the newly proclaimed Extension 16 an upscale suburb that was formerly known as Okaku Kiipupu. In addition the council is spending over N$16 million to tar roads and to put up streetlights in the posh suburb. Oshakati Town Council Chief Executive Officer Werner Iita said the new developments are to be completed by February next year and would create employment opportunities for about 80 youths from the two constituencies of Oshakati East and Oshakati West.
The council has also put up bulk services at Ekuku and Ehenye. The Ekuku residential site, situated along the road to Okatana, is being serviced to accommodate almost 2 000 low-cost housing units. According to the mayor of Oshakati, Onesimus Shilunga, preference would be given to residents that were affected by flooding in the past and who want to reside in Ekuku. Iita added that the council will also offer land to residents who were affected by flooding in the past, however they are expected to solicit funds for the construction of their houses.
Ehenye, which is situated east of Oshakati, is the other residential site that has been formalised. Ehenye is expected to accommodate 1 800 erven with 247 erven reserved for the mass housing project. The Ekuku and Ehenye projects are expected to reach completion by December this year. One of the biggest achievements of the council is having secured land for the construction of a campus of the medical school by the University of Namibia. Among other projects in progress is the relocation of the open market to the newly constructed site behind Metro retailers. The residents of Sky location in Oshakati will also be relocated to allow the council to formalise and service the land to create business opportunities. Similarly the Oshakati-Okatana road will be extended to a dual carriage road to accommodate the growing vehicle population of the town.
By Nuusita Ashipala