By: Priscilla Mukokobi

Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni says that housing in Namibia remains a very complex and combative subject, and the pressure on urban areas is becoming ever more severe. He said this is demonstrated by rapidly increasing urbanisation rates over the last two decades.

Uutoni said this while handing over 134 new houses to owners in Kongola and Chotto suburbs in Katima Mulilo.

54 houses were handed over at Kongola, while 80 more were handed over at Katima Mulilo’s Chotto suburb. The houses were constructed via the Shack Dwellers Federation with funds from the Standard Bank (Buy a Brick) and the urban and rural development minister.

The minister said the demand for affordable housing and land in cities, towns and settlements by citizens has exhausted supply.

“In that light, our government recognises everyone’s right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing, and the provision of basic infrastructure and services remains one of the top priorities at all levels of government, whether central, regional or local,” he said.

He said the partnership between the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia/Namibia Housing Action Group and local authorities is an opportunity for community members to engage in community-driven development incrementally in the informal settlement.

“I am reliably informed that the Federation has built, in Katima Mulilo alone, 282 Houses and still more to come for the community of Katima Mulilo provided that the local authority assists with the providing more land,” Uutoni said.

He further said government, through the ministry of urban and rural development, believes in and will continue to support the work of community-based organisations such as The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, “who have demonstrated their commitment and ability to contribute to the national drive towards providing affordable housing and proper sanitation to our people especially those in the ultralow-and low-income categories,” he said.

According to the minister, government has been providing financial support to boost the housing provision efforts of the Federation.

To date, he said, government’s financial support totals N$ 91,8 million which was used to construct 3,064 houses countrywide and a further N$17million for informal settlements at Gobabis, Karibib, Helao Nafidi and services at Walvis Bay.

“The Shack Dwellers Federation’s solution to housing is unique and worth supporting in that it is a case of the community itself taking action to address its own developmental needs. This is a clear testimony of sustainable and people-centred development.

This support will continue in the future, and we indeed plan to increase such support in This financial year,” he said.

At the same handover, Zambezi region governor, Lawrence Sampofu, encouraged the urban and rural development ministry and Shack Dwellers Federations to expand the programme and share the benefits with other disadvantaged communities in all corners of the region so that they all benefit from the cause.

He further said that the Shack Dwellers Federation has been one of our most active community-based partners in implementing development programmes in the region.

“The Zambezi regional council is committed to uplifting the living conditions of all our inhabitants. But it cannot achieve this alone. We call on all stakeholders, from both public and private sectors, to mobilise resources that can be used to fight poverty in our country. As sons and daughters of the soil, it is up to us to work together to develop our beloved region,” he said.