10 Samora Machel settlements set for upgrade
Thousands of residents in Windhoek’s informal settlements could see their neighbourhoods move closer to formal townships as the City of Windhoek steps up efforts to improve land tenure, housing and basic services in the Samora Machel Constituency. The City has identified 10 informal settlement areas for upgrading into formal townships, marking a major step towards bringing communities that have developed outside the formal planning system into the city’s urban framework.
Four of the planned townships, located on Farms 1008 and 1007 near Goreangab Dam, have already been approved and recommended by the City Council. Environmental Impact Assessments for all 10 areas have also been completed and submitted to the Environmental Commissioner for consideration. The City has rearranged 348 households in line on Farm 1008, with the proposed township layout. Work is continuing on the reorganisation of households on Farm 1007.
The plans also make provision for essential community facilities, with land allocated for two schools, a health facility and a police station. Construction of the schools is already under way. The formalisation process is also progressing at household level. The City says 4479 certificates are ready for collection, while 1743 structures previously identified with TL number markings have been converted to their respective blocks. A further 3,261 water application forms have been issued. Residents are also able to apply for extensions and renovations to their homes, while the City continues to map and record structures in several informal settlement areas.
Residents say access to basic services remains a pressing concern. Water, electricity, safety and the lack of a taxi rank were among issues raised during a public meeting with the City. The establishment of a taxi rank emerged as one of the community’s most significant concerns, highlighting the need for transport infrastructure to keep pace with population growth.
The City also provided an update on electricity projects in Mix Settlement and Otjomuise. So far, 476 homes have been reached through electrification projects in the two areas. Of these, 267 homes in Mix Settlement have been wired and are awaiting connection, while 209 homes in Otjomuise Extensions 6 and 7 have already been connected. The wider electrification programme aims to connect 1,298 homes to the national electricity grid.
Water services are also being improved as part of the City’s broader efforts to address infrastructure needs in the settlements.
For residents, however, the upgrading programme represents more than new infrastructure. Formal township layouts, access to services and the allocation of land for schools, health facilities and policing could provide a more structured foundation for communities that have expanded rapidly over the years. The public meeting gave residents an opportunity to raise concerns directly with City officials and councillors, while receiving updates on projects intended to improve living conditions and service delivery.
The scale of the work means the transformation will take time, but the City’s latest progress points towards a gradual shift from informal settlements to planned communities with improved access to essential services and public facilities.
