‘No kickbacks, no nonsense’, Erongo governor warns as housing project launched

Two hundred houses are set to be built by September at Farm 37 on the outskirts of Walvis Bay as part of the national Mass Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme.The project, which officially broke ground on Tuesday, is funded by the urban and rural development with a contribution of N$75 million, alongside N$6 million from the Walvis Bay municipality.Speaking at the event, Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses urged the 29 contractors involved to deliver efficient, high-quality service.“You will deliver. We are going to work around the clock," she said."Let’s emulate the work ethic of our brothers in the stone industry who operate 24 hours a day. Appoint your teams. Work in shifts. Don’t rest. Don’t sleep. Our target is September 2025.”Stringent conditions /Goagoses added that there will be no advance payments."Inspectors and technocrats, you will evaluate and submit your reports. I will not tolerate hearing that a contractor has disappeared after being paid. I don’t want those reports."She underscored that "every cent we use belongs to the taxpayers of this country. It must be accounted for and used for its intended purpose. No inflated prices. No kickbacks. No nonsense. This money is meant to build houses for our people.”The governor urged teams to let purpose, not profit, guide their work and to commit to inclusivity, sustainability and innovation.“No one should be excluded from this project for any reason. We must be fair and transparent in allocating housing. Let this project become a benchmark for future developments. If implemented well, more funds will follow. But how Phase 1 is handled determines what comes next,” she added.Foundation for growth Walvis Bay deputy mayor Sara Mutondoka explained that the council has been mandated to construct 1 250 houses in total to address the increasing need for low-cost housing.She explained that the initial phase will see the construction of 200 houses. The project includes essential infrastructure services such as water, sewerage and roads, benefiting both new homeowners and existing residents.The contractors have also been instructed to employ local labourers, especially those residing at Farm 37.“This is to ensure job creation and skills development within our community, fostering economic emancipation," the deputy mayor noted. Central government has allocated N$600 million in the 2025/2026 financial year to fund housing projects nationally, including at Farm 37.

‘No kickbacks, no nonsense’, Erongo governor warns as housing project launched

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-18

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‘No kickbacks, no nonsense’, Erongo governor warns as housing project launched

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-18

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