Lüderitz cracks under rental pressure

A severe shortage of rental flats in Lüderitz has sparked growing frustration among residents, as the town grapples with a rapid influx of people drawn by economic opportunities.The boom, while promising, has drastically increased housing demand, leaving both newcomers and long-time residents scrambling for accommodation.In a recent Facebook post directed at the Lüderitz Town Council, concerned resident NdaMou Demuenda sounded the alarm, arguing that the supply of rental properties has failed to keep pace with the town’s sudden growth. “Many residents, including myself, are struggling to secure affordable housing due to soaring rental prices and the limited availability of flats. This situation has placed significant financial strain on families and individuals, forcing some to consider leaving the town despite having employment opportunities here,” she wrote.Demuenda called on the town council to take decisive action, suggesting interventions such as partnering with developers and investors to construct new rental units, fast-tracking the servicing of residential plots to unlock more land for housing, implementing rent control to curb exploitative price hikes and supporting affordable housing initiatives for low- and middle-income earners.“Addressing the housing crisis is essential to sustaining the growth and stability of Lüderitz. I respectfully request that the council prioritises this matter and communicates any planned initiatives or solutions to the public,” she urged.Council acknowledges housing pressuresResponding to the outcry, Lüderitz mayor Phil Balhao acknowledged the strain the town’s accelerated growth has placed on housing. “As a community, we are experiencing both the benefits and challenges of growth, and the demand for suitable housing has outpaced our current supply. The town council recognises that addressing this housing crisis is crucial not only for the well-being of our residents but also for the sustainability of Lüderitz as a vibrant and welcoming community," he said last week.Balhao said council is actively engaging with both local and national developers to facilitate the construction of affordable apartment units. “Our goal is to create an attractive environment for investment, which includes offering incentives and streamlining the approval process for new projects. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to increase the supply of rental properties and provide a broader range of housing options that cater to various income levels. All income levels should receive urgent solutions,” he stressed.The mayor noted that the council is also prioritising the servicing of residential plots, ensuring they are ready for development with essential services like water, electricity and sanitation. “This initiative not only focuses on increasing supply through our townlands expansion but also ensures plots are development-ready,” he said.Exploring solutions While Balhao acknowledged that rent control is a sensitive and complex issue, he said council is open to exploring mechanisms that could help stabilise the rental market. "We aim to create a balanced approach that protects tenants from excessive rent hikes while also ensuring landlords can maintain their properties and continue to invest in our community,” he said.He added that council is seeking funding and partnerships with government and non-profits to support affordable housing projects tailored for low- and middle-income residents. “We recognise that effective solutions must be informed by the experiences and needs of our residents," he said.He added: "We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication, and we encourage residents to participate in town hall meetings, provide feedback, and share their housing challenges. Your insights are invaluable."nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Lüderitz cracks under rental pressure

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Lüderitz cracks under rental pressure

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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