Housing backlog for war veterans

WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA

About 30 000 war veterans registered with the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs are still living in poor conditions while others remain homeless.
The provision of housing to war veterans started under the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development in 2010.
The Khomas Region is the highest recipient, despite plans to build three houses in each of the 13 regions. A total of 46 houses have been built so far, which has cost the Veterans' Affairs Ministry N$23 million.
Veterans Affairs permanent secretary William Amagulu says plans are now underway to build five houses per region.
Amagulu said preference is given to veterans who are very old and frail, the disabled and those who are seriously ill.
The Veterans' Affairs Ministry has four house plans which the veterans can choose from. The houses cost an average of N$485 000 each.
There about 138 disabled veterans using wheelchairs, crutches or prosthetic devices.
According to the ministry's annual report of 2010/2011, a housing needs assessment was carried out in all 13 regions. A total of 77 houses will be built, with the highest concentration being in the Ohangwena Region with 19, followed by Omusati with 16 and one in the Kunene Region.
The assessment also verified the construction sites for veterans' houses to ensure that they are not built at sites prone to floods.
When we started the housing provision, we planned to build three per region. We have not gone by that decision due to problems that came about more in some regions, where a veteran was either literally kicked out by relatives and living as a pauper.
This is the reason we had to divert money from the budget of different regions to concentrate on another region where the veterans were experiencing problems.
This year we are planning on building 100 houses, five or more in each region under the 2012/2013 financial budget, Amagulu said.
Amagulu said houses for disabled veterans are equipped to suit their disability.
We are now advising house recipients, especially in the rural countryside, to opt for solar panels for lighting as it is cheaper. The houses have access to running water; veterans have to pay the municipal bills from the monthly pay they receive from the ministry.