Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni implored the private sector to expeditiously find pragmatic solutions to the many challenges in the housing sector. 

He was speaking during the launch of the Namibian Housing Symposium in Windhoek yesterday where he urged the private sector to take proactive steps to deliver tangible outcomes for the benefit of Namibians.

The symposium, which is held at the Safari Hotel, brought together stakeholders from the housing sector to discuss ways to overcome the housing crisis.

“Government alone cannot shoulder the immense investment required for the servicing of land and the construction of low-cost housing. Therefore, the smart partnership between our municipal councils and private companies should be encouraged as it has the promise and potential to complement the government’s efforts in the delivery of housing for our people,” he said.

The minister indicated that the challenges of affordability and scale remain formidable. 

He said the government has taken note of the significant contributions made to date by the private sector in the delivery of housing stock and access to financing for the same.

“Let us persist on this path, and rest assured, our doors are open to those who wish to join us on this journey to the resolution of an enduring concern for our nation,” he urged.

Uutoni further noted that to accelerate the housing delivery in the country, the government is continuing with the Windhoek informal settlement upgrading housing project, which is a partnership and a joint financial investment by the ministry, the Windhoek Municipality, Khomas Regional Council and the National Housing Enterprise (NHE), which is targeting to deliver some 1 200 housing units. 

- ljason@nepc.com.na