KEETMANSHOOP – Rebekka Shalongo, one of 27 beneficiaries who received a house from the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) at Keetmanshoop, could not contain her excitement last week Friday for finally having a place to call home.
“At last, I now have a roof over my head after paying monthly rent to my landlord previously for accommodation, and I can now rather pay those monies on my mortgage bond instalments,” she said.
Shalongo, on behalf of the other beneficiaries, expressed profound gratitude towards government and NHE for making their dream of homeownership a reality.
In his keynote address during the handing over, urban and rural development Erastus Uutoni said government recognises that housing is a challenge in Namibia, especially for the poor and low-income groups of society.
“From the onset, this particular event, if you will agree, will reflect the issue of decent housing being at the centre of dignified communities and the ongoing fight to provide for our people’s housing needs,” he said.
“It is for that reason that our government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, believes in and will continue to support the NHE in its mandate to drive towards providing affordable housing to our people of all income categories.”
He also said, although the ministry’s housing policy does not match existing needs, they are now reviewing it to address the challenge.
“There must be no excuses for us to work together in order to free our people from homelessness,” he continued.
Uutoni also commended stakeholders who worked on the project for their commitment. “My appreciation, therefore, goes to all those that played and continue to play a role in the realisation of this housing project,” he said. Keetmanshoop mayor Maree Smit said housing does not only fulfil the basic human need for shelter but furthermore constitutes a significant portion of the wealth of an individual or family.
“The Keetmanshoop municipality is mandated, amongst others, to provide affordable land to residents – and as such, council did not hesitate to assist NHE in 2017 when approached with the request for land,” she added.
– Stevenklukowski@nepc.com.na