56 Oranjemund families unlock doors to their new homes

Fifty-six new homes were handed over to beneficiaries in Oranjemund on Tuesday under the town council’s N$6 million housing project for ultra-low and low-income earners.The one- and two-bedroom houses, built as part of the town council’s social housing drive, were officially handed over by deputy minister of urban and rural development Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele.They form part of the town's informal settlement upgrading and decongestion plan adopted in 2021.Beneficiaries will pay monthly instalments under a rent-to-own scheme, ensuring affordability while generating funds for further housing development.Shivanda Fridrik, one of the new homeowners, after receiving his keys, said: “I am happy. This happened so unexpectedly. It came as a surprise, and I am at a loss for words. Thank you to the mayor and his team of councillors for changing my life,” he said.!Nawases-Taeyele said the handover was part of a broader national agenda to accelerate housing delivery across Namibia.She acknowledged challenges faced by many local authorities, including limited land, high construction costs, rapid urbanisation and financial constraints. “Accommodation remains a major issue in most of our towns. This is why it remains a collective responsibility of both the private and public sectors to play their part in developing housing and related infrastructure,” she said.Ambitious housing plan The deputy minister reaffirmed government’s commitment under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to deliver more than 50 000 houses by the end of the current term. “We are expected to build at least 10 000 houses per year. While 56 is a start, it shows how much more needs to be done to reach this ambitious goal,” she added. She also cautioned against disunity among local authority councillors. “You are not here to advance your political interests, but to serve the people who elected you,” she stressed.The Oranjemund town council's decongestion strategy, launched in 2017, identified Extension 10 for housing development after a survey revealed over 2 000 residents needed accommodation. Of the 267 erven earmarked, 56 houses have now been completed. Renting to own According to acting town council CEO Festus Nekayi, a housing committee was established earlier this year to guide the allocation process. Criteria included fire-prone areas, good municipal payers, persons with disabilities, council staff and community diversity. The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia was appointed to supply bricks and assist with construction, helping to reduce costs.“This is only the first phase,” Nekayi explained. “Through the rent-to-own system, we can reinvest funds into building more houses. While units cost between N$120 000 and N$130 000, greater competition in building materials could help lower prices further.” Mayor Elias Kasemba reminded beneficiaries of their responsibility to honour agreements with the council. “By paying your rent, you will eventually own your homes while enabling the town to build more for others in need," he said."If payments are not made, you will only have three months to rectify matters before the property is reallocated,” he warned.

56 Oranjemund families unlock doors to their new homes

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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56 Oranjemund families unlock doors to their new homes

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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