Sostenus Wilherm
The City of Windhoek is accelerating efforts to transform informal settlements in the Samora Machel constituency into formal townships, with 10 areas earmarked for upgrading as part of a broader drive to improve housing, basic services and public infrastructure.
The progress was outlined during a public meeting in the constituency, where residents also raised concerns over access to water and electricity, safety and the lack of a formal taxi rank.
Of the 10 planned townships, four areas situated on Farms 1008 and 1007 at Goreangab Dam have already been approved and recommended by the city council.
Environmental Impact Assessments for all 10 areas have also been completed, with the reports submitted to the Environmental Commissioner for consideration.
On Farm 1008, the City of Windhoek has rearranged 348 households in line with the proposed township layout, while work is continuing to reorganise households on Farm 1007.
The planned formalisation is also making provision for essential public infrastructure. Land has been allocated for two schools, a health facility and a police station, with construction of the schools already underway.
The council said the process is intended to bring informal settlements into the formal planning system and provide residents with greater certainty around land and access to municipal services.
As part of this process, 4 479 certificates are ready for collection, while 1 743 structures bearing number markings have been converted to their respective blocks.
The council has also issued 3 261 water application forms, signalling progress towards extending formal water services to households in the affected areas.
Municipal officials are continuing to process applications for extensions and renovations of structures in informal settlements, while mapping and recording of structures is ongoing in several areas.
These include Tlabanelo G, F and B; Hadino Hishongwa B and C; Farm 1007; sections of Brendan Simbwaye C, G, H, N and O; as well as the GIZ-City of Windhoek project area.
However, residents used the meeting to highlight that formalisation alone will not address all the challenges facing communities.
The establishment of a taxi rank emerged as one of the major concerns raised by residents, alongside demands for improved water and electricity access and enhanced safety.
The City of Windhoek also provided updates on ongoing electrification projects in Mix Settlement and Otjomuise.
A total of 476 homes have so far been reached through the projects. Of these, 267 homes in Mix Settlement have been wired and are awaiting switch-on, while 209 homes in Otjomuise Extensions 6 and 7 have already been connected.
The broader electrification programme is targeting 1,298 homes for connection to the electricity grid.
The developments come as Windhoek continues to grapple with rapid informal settlement growth and pressure on municipal infrastructure.
For residents of Samora Machel, the formalisation programme could provide a pathway towards more structured neighbourhoods and improved access to essential services.
The council said continued engagement with residents remains important to ensure that development plans respond to the needs of communities while bringing informal areas into the formal urban planning system.
