Govt launches housing census

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



The ministry of urban and rural development and the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) have embarked on a housing survey that will contribute to a national housing information system.

At a press briefing yesterday, the ministry's executive director, Nghidinua Daniel, and NSA chief Alex Shimuafeni said the system will be updated with close to real-time data generated from relevant government ministries and agencies.

According to him, the system will have a centralised housing information system where all data on housing in the country is compiled, processed, stored and disseminated for various purposes and to guide decision-making.

“This new innovation will also serve as a planning tool for housing development, policy formulation in the country as well as for monitoring, evaluation and reporting on national and international development plans and agendas,” he said.



Main outcomes

The four main outcomes of this survey include housing stock, which includes the types of housing in the country, land for housing, housing needs and informal settlement upgrading.

The survey aims to document the huge housing backlog in the country, which stands at roughly 100 000 units and is rising at 3.5% per year.

“The government of Namibia is committed to the principles of adequate shelter for all and the promotion of sustainable human settlement development, and has thus placed housing provision as one of its priority areas for development.

“Despite these efforts, the country is still faced by a huge housing deficit. This is more visible through the rapid proliferation of informal settlement areas, specifically in urban areas,” the statement said.

According to the Namibia Intercensal Demographic Survey report of 2016, it is estimated that some 39.7% of households in urban areas are living in improvised housing such as shacks, compared to 10.6% of households in rural areas.



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