ONGWEDIVA - The Oshana Regional Council has made a commitment to continue providing land for both residential and business purposes with a view to address the housing backlog in Eheke settlement, Oshana governor Elia Irimari has said. 

Eheke is situated in the Ondangwa Rural constituency. 

According to Irimari, land ownership remains a challenge in settlement areas in the region. 

“The government has been working around the clock to find best modalities that promote inclusivity in the housing sector. The settlement areas I believe, provide an opportunity for low-income earners to access land to develop houses and businesses,” said Irimari.

Echoing similar sentiments was Ondangwa Rural constituency councillor, Abraham Kaushiweni, who said Eheke settlement has both economic and social development potential. 

“Eheke is one of the two proclaimed settlement areas in the region which the government invested in the provision of municipal services. Our communities, as part of the parcel of the development of Eheke settlement are facing various challenges in generating the urban development of the settlement. 

“The level of development at Eheke settlement area has been celebrated as a revelation of all efforts of the members of the community. And the desired level of future development in the settlement will also depend on the councils and community’s commitment,” said Kaushiweni.

According to the chairperson of Oshana Regional Council Andreas Uutoni, experience has taught him that development is only sustainable if communities themselves are involved in planning and implementation. 

“The ability of most of our people to bring about development is limited. That is why it is critical to look at all possible angles and interventions in the development process of settlement areas,” said Uutoni. He then urged community members to do more and submit proposals, ideas and commitment to further develop Eheke settlement.