Niël Terblanché
Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, handed over 119 new houses to residents of Swakopmund.
This marks the final phase of the completion of 319 houses that had been left unfinished for years due to a legal dispute.
The housing project, which saw 505 units stand uncompleted for several years, was revitalised following a legal resolution between the main contractor and its sub-contractors.
In October 2022, the ground was broken again to resume work on the 319 commenced-but-uncompleted houses.
The newly appointed contractor, New Era Investments, along with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, has since worked diligently to finish the project ahead of schedule.
During the handover, Uutoni commended the hard work and teamwork that made the completion possible, stating,
“Leadership is key to setting the tone and inspiring action. The government, under the visionary leadership of our presidents since independence, has given priority to housing as a top developmental objective,” he said.
The housing project is part of Namibia’s broader Mass Housing Development Programme, initiated during the presidency of Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba and continued through the Harambee Prosperity Plan under the late President Dr Hage Geingob.
To date, the programme has delivered a total of 4 446 housing units, including the 119 handed over today.
Uutoni expressed gratitude to all involved, from government officials to contractors and local authorities, for their dedication to the project.
He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to complete an additional 572 commenced-but-uncompleted houses in Swakopmund, Windhoek, and Opuwo.
Uutoni stressed the government’s commitment to resolving any remaining disputes and ensuring these houses are completed promptly.
Dina Namubes, the Mayor of Swakopmund, hailed the handover as a monumental occasion and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration.
“This project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together,” she said.
Namubes acknowledged the contributions of the Namibia Housing Enterprise (NHE) and other stakeholders.
Swakopmund has seen a surge in population due to investment opportunities in various sectors, such as mining, tourism, and urban agriculture.
This has increased the demand for quality housing, making today’s handover a significant step towards addressing these needs.
Namubes highlighted the council’s commitment to prioritising housing delivery and ensuring sustainable community and urban development.
The revised National Housing Policy, approved by Cabinet in November, aims to reinforce and scale up efforts to provide decent and affordable housing, especially for low-income groups.
The policy focuses on improving conditions in informal settlements and meeting the needs of those most in need of housing.
As the new homeowners took possession of their keys, Namubes encouraged them to view their new houses as foundations for a better future.
“A home is a place of safety, comfort, and hope. It is where families are nurtured, dreams are born, and memories are created,” she said while also stressing the importance of a secure and stable home environment for the well-being and prosperity of residents.
While celebrating this achievement, both Uutoni and Namubes reminded the community that the work is far from over.
According to Namubes, there are still many in need of decent housing, and efforts must continue to ensure everyone in Swakopmund and Namibia has a place to call home.
She said that the collective commitment to fostering development and uplifting communities remains a priority.
“Together, we are building a brighter future for Swakopmund and Namibia at large,” Namubes concluded.
