EDITORIAL: Time to reset the NHE

The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) was set up to make housing accessible to ordinary Namibians. Yet, more than 30 years later, the company has managed to construct only 18 300 homes. In a country grappling with a housing backlog exceeding 300 000, this performance reflects a deep failure of purpose and leadership.NHE now concedes it can no longer undertake capital projects due to severe liquidity and cash flow issues. Management points to clients who are unable to pay or qualify for housing. While affordability is a real issue, it does not excuse years of missed targets, inefficient spending and a lack of innovation.Just as worrying are the persistent boardroom squabbles, management clashes and allegations of poor governance. Lavish spending on handover ceremonies – sometimes costing up to half a million dollars – has done little to restore public trust.NHE has blamed others for their woes. But what has the enterprise done to change course? Why has it not restructured its model, formed serious partnerships, or embraced more affordable building solutions?It is time for a reset. Government must confront tough questions: Can the NHE still fulfil its mandate? Should a new, more flexible housing delivery entity be created? Or should NHE become a financing body while leaving actual construction to others?The country’s housing crisis cannot wait for a dysfunctional institution to catch up.Namibians need homes. If the NHE cannot build them, it must make way for those who will.

EDITORIAL: Time to reset the NHE

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-12

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EDITORIAL: Time to reset the NHE

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-12

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