By: Mathias Hangala
The government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD), has handed over 58 houses in Otjomuise Extension 10 in Windhoek on Friday.
The houses were built under the Mass Housing Project (MHP), an initiative spearheaded by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Launched in 2013, the MHP aimed to construct 185,000 affordable houses across the country by 2030 in an effort to address Namibia’s persistent housing backlog.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Khomas Regional Council chairperson Shaalukeni John Moonde said the region continues to struggle with a housing demand due to high levels of migration.
He also acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders involved in making the new housing units a reality.
“For sure, you know that in the Khomas Region, the migration rate is very high, it’s at a peak, and as leaders of this region, we are struggling to catch up with it. As role players responsible for infrastructure development and housing, when you deliver such projects, you think of the next person who does not have a house,” Moonde said.
Moonde also criticised some developers for thinking they have hit a jackpot of sorts upon acquiring government projects, “a jackpot to milk the government and derail development so that people don’t get houses,” he remarked.
He said that he observed contractors who fail to honour contractual agreements, even when they stand to make more than 100% profit.
“That is what leaders of this region want to address. We want to avoid total sabotage, where you only think of money, even though you’re already making more than 100% profit. We must move away from such a mentality,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, beneficiary Gerardine Somers welcomed the initiative, noting the long waiting period she endured before finally receiving a home.
“This event is very emotional because the waiting list was very long. We really waited a long time, but now this is our time. Thank you, everyone,” she said.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by his advisor Boniface Mutumba, Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa expressed contentment about the initiative, stating that the programme is expected to hand over 377 completed houses under the Mass Housing Development Programme, with the 58 houses handed over on Friday forming part of this agreement between the ministry and the contractor.
He added that 319 houses had been constructed through a public-private partnership agreement signed on 15 February 2015.
“Although we cannot be overexcited with the progress made so far, perhaps we can be a little relieved because the project is nearing completion. We now have 58 homeowners who will be spending this holiday season in a celebratory mode,” relayed Mutumba.
At the national level, he noted a total of 4,826 housing units had been completed and handed over in various local authorities since the programme’s inception in 2014.
He added that while some houses had been completed, more than 514 houses are still expected to reach completion, 24 of which would be in Opuwo, 186 in Swakopmund, and 304 in Windhoek.
“I have been reliably informed that we are only a few weeks away from signing agreements that will allow the resumption, completion, and allocation of these units,” Mutumba read.
Sankwasa also urged contractors to accelerate construction, considering the rising housing demand.
He highlighted that most people in need of housing fall within the low and ultra-low income brackets, whose challenges include affordability and a lack of collateral. He called on lenders to collaborate with the government in providing accessible housing finance.
“These groups constitute 87.5%, with an average monthly household income of N$10,000. There is still a huge market among middle-income earners who need proper and affordable housing. I therefore implore the private sector, especially the construction and banking industries, to support the government’s efforts by developing innovative, affordable housing solutions and financing products that meet the needs of low and middle-income groups,” he added.
The handover was, however, met with mixed feelings, with Windhoek resident Icezo Eichab, questioning the transparency of the selection process.
“Share the list so we can see if the beneficiaries were really on the waiting list, because some people who submitted their documents long ago are still waiting. We must find out if they’re not related to people in the offices. We just need a solid, fair beneficiaries list. Others wait long while those with connections get houses,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Abuud Kandovazu argued that the houses remain out of reach for the unemployed and poorest residents.
“What about the low-level, mostly unemployed people who only need plots to build their own structures? These houses are very expensive and only for those employed or with money. The City of Windhoek must give plots to residents so they can help themselves,” Kandovazu said.
Another resident, Selly Nailonga, expressed the need for land to be availed for the construction of houses.
“Make land available so that the NHE can build houses. People should not be forced to remain in expensive flats; they need affordable homes, not endless rental costs,” she noted.
