Okahandja municipality unveils land, housing programmes
Affordable tenure for residents
A resident said the land and housing programme provides hope to residents.
The Okahandja municipality has unveiled a series of ambitious land delivery programmes aimed at improving housing and land accessibility for its residents.The initiatives, announced during the launch of the municipality's 2024–2029 strategic plan, promise upgrades to informal settlements, the formalisation of existing townships and the establishment of new residential and industrial areas.
One of the key programmes highlighted is the Informal Settlement Upgrading Project, a collaborative effort involving the municipality, the Namibia Housing Action Group, the Shack Dwellers Federation, the Namibia University of Science and Technology and community members.
According to the plan, informal settlements in Ekunde 1, 2, 3, 6, and Five Rand locations will be upgraded to flexible land tenure schemes, providing affordable security of tenure to residents.
"The upgrading of these informal settlements demonstrates our commitment to improving the living conditions of our residents while ensuring land affordability," said Okahandja Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo.
Additionally, the formalisation of Oshetu Proper, extension 1 and extension 2 townships will see the sale of erven to current occupants, offering them the opportunity to secure ownership of their land.
"We will work tirelessly to dismantle barriers to opportunity and ensure that every citizen, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to quality education, healthcare, housing and employment opportunities,” said Kotungondo.
Other initiatives include the allocation of residential erven in Ekunde 4 and 5, as well as the sale of land to National Housing Enterprises (NHE) for the construction of middle- to low-income houses. Furthermore, NHE has been approved to embark on an informal settlement upgrading project, aiming to transform informal structures into conventional, affordable houses.
In response to these developments, a community member said: "These initiatives give hope to many residents who have long-awaited the opportunity to own a piece of land and build a better future for their families."
The launch of the strategic plan was attended by stakeholders, including political leaders, municipal officials and community representatives.
Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn ǃNawases-Taeyele, in an address on behalf of Minister Erastus Uutoni, commended the collaborative efforts behind the plan's realisation. "We are hopeful that you will steer the journey you have started with dedication, commitment and honesty for the benefit of the community of Okahandja and Namibia at large," ǃNawases-Taeyele said.