Annakleta Haikera
The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has received N$146 million to provide housing for more low-income earners and vulnerable communities across the country.
The funding was provided by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development during the 2025/26 financial year, as part of the Government’s efforts to tackle Namibia’s housing shortage and expand access to decent and affordable homes.
Urban and Rural Development Minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa disclosed the investment during a one-on-one performance review with Prime Minister Tjitunga Ngurare in Windhoek on Wednesday.
Sankwasa said the ministry is also accelerating programmes aimed at improving housing and living conditions in both urban and rural communities.
During the period under review, the ministry facilitated the completion of approximately 1,864 houses countrywide, while 250 sanitation facilities were constructed in rural areas.
The minister said the interventions are focused on speeding up land delivery, housing provision, sanitation, decentralisation and local economic development.
He said these programmes are intended to close infrastructure gaps and ensure that development reaches communities across the country.
Ngurare commended the ministry’s efforts to address Namibia’s housing challenges, stressing that access to decent, safe and affordable housing remains a key priority of the 8th Administration.
Ngurare said government would continue prioritising initiatives that respond to the housing needs of ordinary Namibians, particularly low-income households, while strengthening cooperation between Government, communities and other stakeholders to accelerate housing delivery.
Speaking to residents in Kavango West, several community members welcomed the funding, saying access to affordable housing would provide relief to families living in overcrowded or inadequate homes.
Johannes Kanyanga said the lack of serviced land, sanitation and basic infrastructure remains a major challenge in the region.
He called for housing programmes to reach all rural settlements and for communities to be involved in planning and implementation.
Another resident also urged Government and the Shack Dwellers Federation to ensure that the allocation of houses and plots is transparent and prioritises low-income households, elderly people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
annakletahaikera@eaglefm.com.na
