Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget.
This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas.
Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements.
“Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28,” Kamseb said.
The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies, the draughting of the township layout plan, and the installation of basic infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, and sewer systems.
The township, to be called Okangwati Extension 3, aims to address severe housing shortages and improve access to services for ultra-low-income residents. It will consist of residential, business, and institutional erven, according to a public notice issued earlier this year.
“The establishment of the township will facilitate an adequate supply of residential, business, institutional, and civic erven to cater to the town’s ultra-low-income residents and upgrade existing infrastructure,” the notice stated.
Okangwati is situated about 110 kilometres north of Opuwo, along the Omuhongo River. It currently has limited infrastructure, with a health centre, police station, and a combined school providing basic services.
To ensure fairness in land distribution, Kamseb said the council would implement transparency measures.
These include public awareness campaigns, prioritising individuals already on the settlement’s waiting list, and giving preference to first-time residential land applicants.
“To facilitate applications for land acquisition by interested individuals via the Settlement Area Office. To prioritise individuals on the waiting list over new applicants to ensure fair allocation on a first-come, first-served basis. Prioritise first-time residential land applicants over existing landowners,” Kamseb said.
Applications for land will be processed at the Okangwati Settlement Area Office on a first-come, first-served basis.
The council has appointed Ritta Khiba Planning Consultants to handle the technical aspects of the project.
This includes preparing the township establishment application for the Urban and Regional Planning Board.
The development will follow the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 2018, which governs land subdivision, consolidation, and township creation in Namibia.
