Renthia Kaimbi
A debt swap agreement between the City of Windhoek and the government will unlock more than 6 000 residential erven in the Khomas region.
The deal, approved by Cabinet, converts N$357.8 million of the city’s historical debt into 423 hectares of land. This opens up land for development in Windhoek and surrounding areas.
Khomas governor Sam Nujoma Jr welcomed the agreement on Thursday, saying it will help address the shortage of serviced land.
The arrangement allows the city to settle its debt through land transfers to the state. This reduces its financial burden and restores its ability to borrow, making it easier to invest in infrastructure and services.
Nujoma said he helped drive the initiative during his time as chairperson of key council committees and described the deal as financially sound and beneficial to residents.
“This decisive arrangement marks a turning point,” he said.
Under phase one, land in Havana and Groot Aub will be released first. About 4 856 housing erven are expected to be developed in these areas.
Nujoma said these areas have long faced informal settlement growth and limited services, and development is expected to follow as government speeds up servicing and allocation.
The deal also sets aside land for national projects, including offices for the Namibia Revenue Agency, high-performance sports centre and pharmaceutical logistics facilities.
Phase two will focus on land at the Independence Stadium precinct for future sports infrastructure.
Nujoma commended the Ministry of Finance and the City of Windhoek for working together on the agreement.
He said land release must be followed by development, and his office will work to ensure the land is turned into housing and infrastructure.
The project supports the sixth National Development Plan, which focuses on economic growth and better access to serviced land.
Caption
Debt swap deal unlocks land for housing development in Khomas.
