Investors eye 15 900-home Monte Christo project

A delegation of potential investors met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on Thursday to discuss the proposed Monte Christo housing development north-west of Windhoek, a project first introduced a decade ago that aims to construct 15 912 homes in its first phase.The delegation, led by Westprop Holdings Limited chairman Michael Louis and chief executive officer Ken Sharpe, was introduced to Nandi-Ndaitwah by Emeraldsand Platforms executive director Dr Nangula Nelulu Uaandja.The project is being spearheaded by Nuvella.The engagement focused on potential investment in Namibia’s housing sector, particularly the Monte Christo development, and its potential contribution to addressing the country’s growing housing needs, the Presidency said.Nandi-Ndaitwah told the delegation that housing remained a government priority under the sixth national development plan (NDP6), particularly as demand for affordable homes and serviced land continues to increase in urban areas.She reaffirmed government's commitment to delivering 50 000 houses over five years, emphasising the need to regularly assess progress, address obstacles and identify practical solutions to improve housing delivery.The president also stressed that government could not address the housing shortage alone and needed private-sector participation to mobilise investment, expertise and resources.Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the engagement as an opportunity to explore public-private partnerships that could expand access to affordable housing, create employment and support the country's development priorities.15-year first phaseThe proposed Monte Christo development covers approximately 3 811 hectares within the City of Windhoek's boundaries, with a long-term target of 50 267 housing units.According to a project brief based on a November 2024 masterplan, the first phase would deliver nearly 15 900 homes over 15 years.Project leader Christophe Van De Vijver said the development aims to combine affordable housing with schools, healthcare facilities, businesses, industrial areas and recreational spaces.“The first phase is planned to accommodate 15 912 homes across approximately 871 hectares, with delivery envisaged over a period of about 15 years,” Van De Vijver said in a statement.The proposed housing mix comprises 3 775 apartments averaging 54 square metres, 3 789 townhouses of the same size and 3 537 townhouses averaging 74 square metres.Another 3 050 entry-level houses would average 66 square metres, while 1 376 mid-market houses would average 95 square metres. The remaining 385 larger houses would average 116 square metres.The first phase also provides for 449 non-residential plots, comprising 204 industrial plots, 189 commercial plots and 56 institutional plots.The first development zone is expected to accommodate 7 703 homes, seven educational facilities and six healthcare facilities.The project also proposes manufacturing facilities to supply building materials, including concrete products, using locally available resources.Start in 2016Monte Christo was introduced in November 2016 as part of the Harambee Valley housing initiative.The City of Windhoek conditionally approved the Monte Christo component in August 2017, when plans provided for approximately 35 000 houses.The development has since expanded on paper, with the latest masterplan setting out 50 267 housing units across 3 811 hectares.Environmental records show that the proposed Ongos Portion 3 and Monte Christo township development received an environmental clearance certificate in 2022.A renewal application submitted in 2025 indicated that development had not yet taken place. The environment ministry's project portal now lists the renewal application as approved.However, the environmental approval does not establish that all municipal, engineering and other approvals required for the wider Monte Christo development have been secured.The November 2024 project brief indicated that detailed planning for the first development zone had been prepared for submission for final municipal approval, while engineering designs and other approvals remained outstanding.The latest status of those approvals has not been established.The Presidency did not announce a financing agreement, investment amount or construction commencement date following yesterday's meeting.

Investors eye 15 900-home Monte Christo project

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-13

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Investors eye 15 900-home Monte Christo project

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-13

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