A private developer has chipped in to alleviate the housing crisis at Grootfontein with plans to establish a new township, which will see 122 houses constructed.
The N$75 million project dubbed ‘Le Mont village mix development’ includes a business plot for a mid-size shopping complex, an institutional plot for a clinic or library or a church and eight play parks for children.
All the streets in this development will be fully interlocked and paved, said Edward Kasete, a business representative of the consortium, at the groundbreaking ceremony last week.
The project is undertaken by Singleton Commercial CC, whose primary customers are teachers, police officers and members of the Namibian Defence Force.
Singleton Commercial CC obtained the virgin land from the municipality of Grootfontein through a public-private partnership in 2017.
“These plots were approved on a private treaty and if we perform, we can return for the development of more land. Singleton Commercial CC is truly honoured to be part of this momentous journey to grow the town of Grootfontein and to be part of the housing delivery solution for our country,” added Kasete.
Clients can sign up for a plot and plan. The company said no plot will be sold separately. Clients have an option to choose from the 18 different architecture house plans, of which the smallest house measures 72 m2 situated on a 406 m2 land goes at the starting price of N$620 000.
“We have opted to go this route to control the construction of quality workmanship and listen to clients’ concerns during construction until completion. We have put in a clause for a retention period for clients to enjoy their new house with peace of mind,” said Kasete.
Meanwhile, urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni, at the event, applauded the investor, saying government alone cannot shoulder the immense investments required for servicing land and the construction thereof, as it operates on a tight budget, while also addressing other socially pressing issues.
“It is therefore important to state that, mitigating our collective shortage as well as affordable housing solutions for all Namibians is a national imperative that requires us to purposefully explore viable alternatives of ensuring that every Namibian has a decent roof over their heads,” said Uutoni.
The project is the brainchild of Kasete, with the backing of development partners Tom van Wyk, a professional quantity surveyor, Antonio de Jesus, an electrical engineer and mechanical engineer Roger Herunga.
osimasiku@nepc.com.na