SWAKOPMUND – Over 800 residents of Swakopmund’s Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) living in shacks will soon become homeowners under the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Project. The project, initiated by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, was first piloted in Windhoek in 2020, where it successfully delivered more than 750 houses. 

Following this success, the project is being rolled out nationwide to address the critical housing shortage, particularly in low-income communities. 

In Swakopmund, more than 200 houses are set to be constructed by February 2025.

The houses will be constructed by the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and subsidised by the government to cost between N$90 000 and N$200000. Speaking at the official launch in Swakopmund on Friday, urban development minister Erastus Uutoni underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing housing challenges.

“Today’s launch is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for a common cause. The scarcity of affordable housing can be addressed if all stakeholders unite,” he said.

He applauded the Swakopmund Municipality for making available 803 plots for the project, with 233 houses set to be built in the first phase. However, he called for unwavering dedication to ensure the project’s timely completion.

“I caution against situations where projects come to a standstill after their launch. The approach and commitment displayed in Windhoek must be replicated here so that our people can be housed urgently,” he stressed.

Uutoni also highlighted that the government has allocated N$700 million for the 2024/2025 financial year to implement the National Housing Policy, launched in July. 

A significant portion of these funds will support incremental land servicing and informal settlement upgrades.

Speaking at the same event, Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb expressed pride in the project, and emphasised the transformative potential of partnerships.

“Through our collaboration with the NHE, affordable loans will enable beneficiaries to construct their own homes. This initiative addresses immediate housing needs, while paving the way for economic empowerment and sustainable growth,” he said.

Goraseb noted that the municipality has taken proactive steps to formalise the DRC settlement.

“Three years ago, we launched a decongestion programme, relocating residents to Wagdaar, and conducting a count to identify legitimate landholders. To date, 805 Temporary Occupation Certificates have been issued, ensuring transparency and fairness in land allocation,” he noted.

He added that 112 serviced erven have already been allocated to eligible residents at subsidised prices, and NHE’s affordable loans will further enable them to build homes with essential services like water and sanitation.

As part of its broader strategy, the Swakopmund Municipality has approved plans to service the Northern Wedge Area for additional housing developments. With 895 beneficiaries set for the project, the initiative represents a critical step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Namibia.

Erongo governor Neville Andre described the project as being significant in addressing housing challenges.

“This is more than just the start of a construction project; it is a declaration of our commitment to ensure every Namibian has access to decent shelter – a basic human right and cornerstone of a prosperous society,” he said.

This project is a response to the aspirations of the DRC residents and a “promise that they are not forgotten. 

Its success depends on all of us – government, institutions and communities – working together.”

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na