Okahandja makes strides in informal settlement upgrading

The Okahandja municipality has reported significant progress in both surveying and re-blocking exercises across the town’s informal settlements.This was announced on 15 August, when municipal officials met with residents of Ekunde 1, 2, 3, 6 and Five Rand to provide an update on the ongoing land allocation process.Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotungondo, together with councillor Natasha Brinkman and members of the municipality’s town planning department, attended the information session. Officials announced that surveying of the Five Rand informal settlement was completed within just a week of starting on 14 July.The preliminary layout shows 852 erven, of which 813 are zoned for single residential use. So far, 722 erven (89%) have been allocated, the municipality announced. The remaining erven were deemed unsuitable for allocation, either because they fall within river areas or due to new structures being erected.Block-by-block results show that Block 7 recorded the highest number of erven at 123 (15%), while Block 9 had the lowest with 17 (2%). Around 60% of residents with allocated plots have already moved in and adjusted their fences, although some roads remain blocked by residents still waiting for allocation.Ekunde extensionsMajor progress has also been achieved in Ekunde Extensions 1, 2, 3, and 6, officials said.Out of a total of 4 446 erven, 4 162 are zoned for single residential use, with allocations reaching 50.4% completion.In Extension 1, 505 of 523 erven (96%) have been allocated, with the remaining 4% deemed unfit due to river areas. Re-blocking is nearly 90% complete.In Extension 2, 557 of 759 erven (73%) have been allocated, while 22% are unsuitable. Re-blocking is 56% complete.Of 857 erven in Extension 3, 687 (80%) have been allocated. Re-blocking is at 40%, though many residents have yet to move, the municipality said. This remains the most challenging extension due to its density and river areas.Allocations have not yet begun in Extension 6, as the municipality is prioritising completion of Extension 3.Better living conditions Despite steady progress, several challenges remain. These include the erection of new structures on land earmarked for erven, roads or open spaces; the removal of pegs and stones; and residents refusing to move to their allocated plots, municipal officials noted.Permanent structures encroaching on roads have also complicated the re-blocking process.Kotungondo reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to ensuring a fair allocation process and orderly re-blocking, aimed at improving living conditions and providing greater security for residents in these settlements.

Okahandja makes strides in informal settlement upgrading

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-19

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Okahandja makes strides in informal settlement upgrading

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-19

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